The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:42 PM
Newport Utilities Begins Installing Broadband Internet In Cocke County
Billy Kyker has been keeping a close eye on Newport Utilities. He's been anxiously waiting to take advantage of their new broadband internet and cable.
It's hard for many to get connected and if they can, it's expensive. Kyker said he pays $147 a month for internet and cable. Marketing Manager Sharon Kyser told Local 8 News about Newport Utilities' plan to connect everyone within five years.
"A lot of our areas have no access to broadband at all, and because it is fairly expensive to build out to this rural areas, we are a very rural community. A lot of the incumbents do not want to make this investment," Kyser said.
The work has already started for Newport Utilities, partly funded with special government money set aside to bring the internet to rural areas.
"In Newport, there's been a lot of talk about great things that are going to happen here, but this is pretty cool," said Kyker, talking about installing the cables. "I'm glad to see Newport, in Cocke County, is trying to be for the people and share something with their community."
Wednesday afternoon at 1:00, Congressman Phil Roe is awarding Newport Utilities with a low interest loan through the USDA Rural Development program. That will assist with construction.
