Two Cooperatives Join Forces to Bring High-Speed Internet To Warren County In 2019, Warren RECC and NCTC announced a pilot project to determine the feasibility of bringing high-speed internet to rural Warren County. The companies have similar backgrounds – both are member-owned and are locally operated - and share similar missions to improve the quality of life for their members through constant innovation and outstanding customer service. Working together on a project to bring high-speed internet to rural Warren County was a perfect fit for these two like-minded companies.

In the year and a half since the pilot began, the project has been quite successful, expanding twice thanks to tremendous response from eligible customers and a generous donation from the Warren Fiscal Court. In 2021, the project is set to expand yet again with funding won in the FCC’s Rural Development Opportunity Fund (RDOF) reverse auction last fall.

In addition to Warren County, the companies also won funding for areas in Grayson and Edmonson counties during the auction and look forward to expanding to those areas soon.

These new projects allow the two organizations to once again combine their resources and decades of experience to offer affordable, high-speed internet services and help improve the lives of Warren RECC members in the areas.

During the pandemic, the need for rural broadband came into clear focus for many Americans.Thankfully, Warren RECC and NCTC were able to connect several families in our area last year, making an important local impact by helping those families navigate their “new reality”. According to one parent, before her house was connected, her collegeaged children had to sit in a parking lot outside a location with wi-fi from 8- 3 to complete their assignments. Now, her kids can complete their work in the comfort of their home. Another member connected during the pandemic – a second grade teacher - struggled to reach his students under the nontraditional instruction model typical during pandemic. Once he was connected to the Warren RECC/NCTC service, he easily held virtual classroom meetings and worked with students to complete their education. Stories like these are numerous among the now more than 1,500 households with internet service provided through the partnership.

Today, the companies offer services in several areas of Warren County, including Drake’s Ridge, Blevins Farms, Magnolia Hills, The Heritage, Upton Farms, and Spring Lake, with more to come. For more information on the services offered andareas covered, visit www.fiberforwarren.com. If you are interested in high-speed internet at your home or business, click on the link at the top of the page or give them a call at 270-936-7444 to let them know you’re interested. Even if the service is not currently offered at your address, entering the information helps the companies as they make decisions on future expansions.