Received this e-mail today from former Governor Phil Bredesen’s (D. TN) U.S. Senate campaign:
Does this look familiar to you?
Almost ten percent of the population in Tennessee does not have access to basic broadband internet. That’s a problem.
In today’s world, broadband internet is just as important as roads or telephones. Broadband access is a creator of economic opportunity and a way to keep us all connected. When any business is looking to invest in communities, they look at the infrastructure, including internet access.
We need to make sure our rural communities are not left behind when it comes to new companies coming in and investing in new jobs. That’s why I’m proposing a bold solution -- empowering the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to end the rural divide on broadband access.
While lack of access to internet broadband in rural areas continues to stump Washington politicians, we have a uniquely Tennessee solution to fix this problem. Will you sign my petition to show your support for this proposal?
Access to broadband creates jobs and keeps people living in their communities. It’s time to add fast, robust broadband service to that list of fundamental utilities that power communities across our state.
This could be accomplished legislatively by amending the TVA Act to allow the federal utility to partner with local telecommunications providers across the state. TVA is uniquely positioned to continue its original mission to “serve the people of the Tennessee Valley to help the region thrive and grow.”
I want our country to get back to the days when it did bold projects and not just tinker around the edges with grants, tax credits, and demonstration projects. Add your name if you’re with me.
We have the opportunity to have our state lead the charge in bridging this digital divide and ensure that all of our communities – rural, urban, or suburban – have equal access to the infrastructure necessary to get ahead.
Let’s get it done.
— Phil Bredesen
Click here to add your name.