Knoxville Achieves Major Milestone in High-Speed Internet Expansion

KUB Fiber has successfully reached the halfway point in its ambitious fiber network buildout, now providing high-speed internet access to nearly 84,000 residential and business customers within its service area in Knoxville. This achievement comes just over two and a half years after the installation of the network was initiated.

As part of this expansion, neighborhoods such as Belle Morris, East Town, and New Harvest Park gained access to KUB Fiber by the end of April. Looking ahead, the residents of the North Hills and Alice Bell neighborhoods are set to receive KUB Fiber by August, further broadening the fast internet service coverage.

Future Plans for Expansion

KUB Fiber aims to kick off the third and final phase of construction in 2026. This initiative is designed to ensure that all customers receiving electric service from KUB will have access to the fastest available internet options. The expansion of high-speed internet has gained heightened importance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the critical need for reliable connectivity in today’s world.

Addressing Community Needs

KUB President and CEO, Gabriel J. Bolas II, underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing fast internet service, backed by a full range of products and local support. This new fiber service holds the potential to significantly enhance operational efficiency for businesses, allowing them to save on internet costs while improving overall connectivity.

KUB Fiber also places a strong emphasis on reaching rural communities that had previously been underserved or unserved by other providers. As of now, fiber service is available to all KUB customers located in Union and Grainger Counties, with future plans for expansions to Sevier and Jefferson Counties.

Impact on Education and Community

For many local customers, KUB Fiber presents the first opportunity to access a wired internet connection, which is particularly beneficial for remote work and online education. To support student households, KUB has launched the ConnectED program, which provides free KUB Fiber services to income-eligible K-12 students in Knox County. This initiative, funded by Knox County and the city of Knoxville, is currently benefiting 182 students and is poised for future expansion.

Transforming Lives and Businesses

KUB Fiber is seen as a transformative resource within the community, designed to empower businesses and facilitate connections among residents. The enhanced high-speed internet service is expected to reshape lifestyles, improve educational opportunities, and streamline business operations.

How to Get Involved

Residents interested in accessing KUB Fiber can check availability in their neighborhoods and sign up for updates through the official KUB website. The completion of this significant network buildout is anticipated to elevate the entire community’s access to essential digital resources, ultimately enhancing the quality of life throughout Knoxville.