United Communications announces $85M fiber internet investment in Murfreesboro

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Aug. 28, 2023 — United Communications today announced plans to invest another $85 million to expand its enterprise-ready fiber internet service to an additional 77,000 MTE members in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

A series of multi-year infrastructure projects will create 1,400 route miles of new fiber-optic lines capable of delivering multi-gig internet service to homes and businesses of all sizes.

A service of Middle Tennessee Electric, the Franklin-based telecom provider has already invested more than $30 million in Rutherford County. This investment includes a recently completed fiber project connecting 18,000 homes and businesses in neighboring Smyrna and connecting the Rutherford County Emergency Communications District which provides “next-gen” 911 technology. United also has a partnership with the Murfreesboro Housing Authority to provide free internet service to qualifying households in low-income communities.

Speaking at the Middle Tennessee Electric annual meeting on Saturday, United’s President and CEO William Bradford noted that the company’s approach to expansion in Murfreesboro reflects its mission of bridging the digital divide for everyone in Middle Tennessee.

“We’ve already completed phase one in the Boro, which includes our fiber backbone and service to more than 1,000 homes and businesses. As part of phase one, we also built fiber to the square in downtown Murfreesboro,” said Bradford. “It was a privilege to put our fiber infrastructure to work by connecting our neighbors in disadvantaged communities and adding resiliency to the local emergency communications network.”

Bradford cited cost-saving smart grid solutions, a rapidly expanding need among enterprise-level users for symmetrical upload and download speeds, and even the emergence of quantum networking — a technology that promises faster, more secure data transmission — as just a handful of reasons why investments in fiber will yield long-term benefits.

“We’re thrilled to announce this historic investment that will bring the same resilient, cutting-edge technology trusted by first responders to doorsteps and devices across the entire city,” Bradford added.

“MTE and United are trusted, local brands, and we are thrilled to hear of this level of investment in our city,” Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said. “United establishing a presence and bringing jobs is welcome news, and it is good to see a local choice being added to our list of internet service providers for Murfreesboro. Having fast and reliable internet service is an absolute necessity for education, economic development, and quality of life.”  

United Communications expects its additional $85M investment in Murfreesboro to bring approximately 150 new jobs to the area. In addition, United will be opening a new office location in Murfreesboro by the end of 2023.

“MTE and United continue to invest in the economic development of Murfreesboro,” said Chris Jones, CEO of Middle Tennessee Electric. “In fact, MTE recently acquired three buildings in Murfreesboro formerly occupied by Blackbox Network Services, which is where some of the 150 new United employees will be located. Additionally, the new fiber network United will build through the city will also enable electric smart grid, allowing the community to boast a power network technology very few cities in the world have.”

“I have seen the difference United and MTE have made since joining forces,” State Sen. Shane Reeves said, “as I have watched them bring fiber and high-speed internet to thousands of unserved and underserved citizens throughout my district. The city of Murfreesboro is fortunate to have this world-class, local provider coming to town to compete. I’m excited to hear this news.”

In addition to expansion in Murfreesboro, United continues its expansion in other areas throughout Middle Tennessee as part of its Project UNITE. In 2022, United was awarded $53.4 million in grant support from the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund — the largest single investment of its kind in state history — to expand fiber internet service in rural communities across Middle Tennessee. United remains committed to its fiber network expansion to enrich our communities and the lives of its neighbors.

More information about United Communications, including service availability information and discounts for qualifying customers through the Affordable Connectivity Program, can be found online at united.net.