Before the Docks at Caney Creek (DACC) could become a vibrant waterfront development, it had to connect to the digital world.

When Suzanne Adams began building her house in DACC, she didn’t even think to ask about internet accessibility because she assumed every place had WiFi.

“We were in for a big surprise….no WiFi here even though the developers told us there would be soon because they had Comcast availability. We had the Comcast equipment in our yard but no access,” Adams said. 

There were six houses in the community when Adams built a home in 2015. They were using several different internet access solutions. One homeowner had Hughes Net internet, which is a satellite service. Adams had a box from Verizon, but she had to pay for data access by the megabyte. 

“If you went over your data plan, it was big bucks added to your bill. So, we had to watch how much we were using and could not stream movies,” she said.

Adams finally changed to HughesNet, but the performance was very sporadic depending on the weather.

Her friend, Lilly Shirley, has lived in the same development since 2017 and experienced similar problems, not just with internet access but with no access to reliable cellular service.

“I had to drive five miles to get to where I had phone service so that I could call my children,” she said.

Shirley tried HughesNet and a “black box” from AT&T, but neither proved reliable.

During the next few years, only four or five homes were built in the development, but there were For Sale signs everywhere. “Realtors told our board that not having reliable internet was one of the main reasons people would not buy in our development.” I would have had to sell my house and move without reliable internet service,” Shirley said. 

Four years ago, Adams and Shirley decided to get involved. They joined together with what is now ROANEnet to work on getting internet providers to start serving her community.

“We started to beat down doors,” Shirley said.

Over the next few years, ROANEnet became more organized and increased its visibility in local government and utility board meetings. 

ROANEnet is a 501c non-profit that advocates for digital inclusion. ROANEnet provides equipment, training, and support to the digitally underserved people in Roane County.

“Suzanne and Lilly are a valuable part of the grassroots effort that built ROANEnet,” said Dayle Beyer, executive director.

Beyer said that with the effort of community representatives, including Adams and Shirley, ROANEnet was able to successfully lobby internet providers to start bridging the digital divide in Roane County.

After several years of going to meetings and making their voices heard, ROANEnet advocates began to see the results of their work. 

Comcast provided updated cable and internet access to The Docks at Caney Creek. By the end of 2020, Comcast had fulfilled its broadband promise, and high-speed internet access was available to all development residents.

“Closing the digital and rural divide has been one of Comcast’s most important community investment initiatives and one that we have been successful at through local partnerships,” said Sara Jo Walker, Senior Director of Public Relations at Comcast. “We are continuously investing in the evolution of our network and seeking opportunities to further expand access and adoption in Roane County. We’re proud to have ROANEnet as a partner in this endeavor.” 

“With reliable broadband service, suddenly lots were selling, and people started building in the development,” Adams said. 

There are over 20 houses in the DACC development, and more are being built later this year. Shirley has internet, phone, and cable TV service from Comcast.

“Access to high-speed internet made a huge difference in the DACC growth and will continue to catalyze growth in other parts of Roane County soon to be served. Thank You for many people’s efforts, including all the ROANEnet volunteers,” Beyer said.