The Greene County Partnership and Greeneville Energy Authority held a Ribbon Cutting Thursday morning for Broadband, an internet service that’s provided by GEA and uses fiber-optic cables.
As of Thursday, according to Broadband & Technology Director Phil Bradley, Broadband is in their testing phase with about 70 BETA customers, who are eligible customers that have already signed up to receive the services and receive a $20 credit on their upcoming bills for the next two months. During this phase BETA customers should provide their input to GEA so any hick-ups can be taken care of. Bradley said the city portion of the build should wrap up by March. The county portion of the build should start around April.
Greeneville Energy Authority, previously known as Greeneville Light and Power, has been providing electrical services for about 78 years; President and CEO Chuck Bowlin said customers are going to see the local benefit of Broadband. He said some may wonder why a power company is providing internet services, Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison believes it’s because our people are going to be taking care of our people. It is also because GEA can get the job done, they have the crew, the poles, tools, and equipment. There may be other companies that could provide internet services, but Bowlin stated it’s about what those companies lack, and GEA will provide that quality service that’s needed.
Speaking of crew that can get the job done, Bradley gave recognition to people who have had a hand in all the progress of Broadband including Nathan Brown, Broadband Outside Plant Engineer, Chris Gass, Senior Network Engineer, Cody Shults, Network Engineer, Drew Hall, Business Development Manager, and the Ervin Cable Company and Premier Communication Technologies.
Greeneville Mayor Cal Doty thanked the Greeneville Energy Authority for getting the work done and providing the Broadband service to the community. He was happy to know his internet service won’t be lagging as much as it has in the past years and joked about wanting to be GEA’s next BETA customer. Anyone can become a BETA customer as long as they are eligible. It is on a first come first serve basis, according to Bradley. Call GEA for more information at 423-636-6222.
Greene County Partnership President Jeff Taylor also thanked GEA, Mayor Doty and the City Council, Mayor Morrison and the County Commission, and others for the work done, help, and support. He said people in the county struggle with not having internet services and this investment is going to change lives.
