JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — High-speed internet access in Johnson County will expand thanks to a $5 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).

According to TNECD, the $5,056,150.54 grant is one of several grants aimed at improving internet and digital opportunities in the state.

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The Last Mile grant will fund SkyBest, a North Carolina-based provider that already serves some locations in Johnson County.

Last Mile grants are awarded directly to Internet service providers to improve broadband access in areas of Tennessee that lack fast Internet speeds.

Johnson County Mayor Larry Potter told News Channel 11 that SkyBest has already proven beneficial to the county.

“It’s reliable,” Potter said. “(They) have been a great partner, and this $5 million grant will really help Johnson County expand that footprint.” This is a boost for the economic development of our community. It’s hard to believe people who work from home today.”

The grant will benefit almost 500 clients and is to be spent by the end of 2026.

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