Tennessee Broadband Accelerate Program

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, and Heartland Forward worked on a new planning and capacity-building program to help Tennessee communities leverage historic broadband infrastructure funding for community-driven broadband expansion.

The Tennessee Broadband Accelerate program helped local governments throughout Tennessee receive expert support as they prepared to leverage new dollars that have been made available through the historic passage of the federal infrastructure program. The opportunity is made possible through the financial support of Heartland Forward and its Connecting the Heartland initiative.

Local units of government – particularly at the county level – were encouraged to apply to receive expert support offered as part of an intensive 16-week community engagement program, designed to turn available public broadband funding into sustainable broadband access. Six community teams were selected to participate in the first cohort, which began on April 12, 2023.

Roane County was one of the six community teams selected to participate. CLICK HERE for the final presentation of information.

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ROANEnet Receives Grant For Digital Literacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2024

ROANEnet, a Harriman, TN-based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to improving digital literacy, has received a grant from the state to provide computer training to citizens of Roane and Rhea Counties.

ROANEnet will receive $254,079.00 for digital literacy training, according to a press release from the office of Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

The state will award $162.7 million in broadband and digital opportunity grants that will provide broadband access and digital opportunity programs to more than 236,000 Tennesseans across 92 counties.

“Broadband is essential to all Tennesseans, and that’s why we are making strategic investments in our state’s broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to create a pathway to education, job training, and greater opportunity statewide,”  Lee said.

“More than $715 million has been invested to expand broadband under Governor Lee’s administration, and we are excited to announce additional funding today that will ensure Tennesseans have access to and benefit from high-speed internet, which opens the door to high-quality job training,” said Commissioner McWhorter.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all Tennessee residents have access to high-speed internet by 2028 and have opportunities to develop digital skills, access high-quality tech jobs, connect to broadband-enabled devices, and access online learning and telehealth resources.

ROANEnet has been distributing computers to the underserved and conducting digital skills training in Roane County and other East Tennessee communities for more than five years, said Dayle Beyer, Executive Director of ROANEnet.

“The grant money will be used to expand our computer basics training classes and to further our mission of enabling digital inclusion in East TN. We believe every individual in East TN deserves the opportunity to be part of the digital world. Our work is more than providing technology; it’s about opening up a world of possibilities, breaking down barriers, and building connected and empowered communities.” Beyer said.

For more information and scheduling of future computer training classes in Roane and Rhea Counties visit the ROANENET.org website.

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ROANEnet Offers Free Computer Training Classes at Loudon Senior Center

By Hugh Willett

Loudon County residents will be able to take advantage of free basic computer training classes to be held at the Loudon County Senior Center.

The classes, which are geared toward seniors and beginners, are being conducted by ROANEnet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Harriman. Each student that completes the three-hour computer basics class is given a free Chromebook. 

At a recent class, about a dozen students began their training by setting up an email address for those who didn’t have one. Students with more experience helped those who were first-time computer users.

Loudon resident Paulette Griffin is a regular at the Senior Center. She said she signed up for the class to improve her skills and wants to take the more advanced class. “This is the first class I’ve taken and I’m learning things,” she said. “I’d like to learn how to manage my photographs and put together photo books.”

The students were introduced to the Chromebook and basic functions such as sending an email. Basic security including the use of two-factor authentication was explained to the class. ROANEnet executive director Dale Beyer explained to the class why organizing and saving passwords was important.

ROANEnet is able to conduct the classes and distribute the Chromebooks at no charge through government grants and donations including thousands of Chromebooks donated by local school departments.

“ROANEnet’s mission is to bridge the digital divide by helping to improve digital literacy and access to information, education and healthcare content,” Beyer said.

Visit Roanenet.org website or call the Loudon Senior Center at 865-458-5445 to sign up for upcoming classes.

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Roane County, TN Youth Provide Smartphone Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROANE YOUTH PROVIDE SMARTPHONE TRAINING
Volunteers from Roane County’s Youth Leadership Class of 2024 and Harriman nonprofit Digital Smart will be conducting a free smartphone training class in July. The class, geared to novice and intermediate smartphone users, will be held July 11 at Morrison Hill Christian Church in Kingston from 10 am to 11:30 am.

The training will help smartphone users unlock more of the potential of their phones,” according to Ernest Cherbak, class mentor with Digital Smart. Students will learn how to text, set up passwords, send photos, and other activities using their smartphones, Cherbak said. The class will be taught by members of the Roane County Youth Leadership Class of 2024 as one of four community service projects the class choose to work on.

The class members are really excited to be able to serve their community in this way, said Kathy Parks, program director of Roane County Youth Leadership. “It’s part of becoming a leader,” she said.
Young people are very knowledgeable about the capabilities of their smartphones, according to Abby Stout, 2024 lead class member and one of the class instructors. She said she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge.

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11 Smart Ways to Save on Your Internet, Phone & Entertainment Bills

Saving money on your internet and other digital services is crucial for managing your budget. Here are several strategies you can employ to save money.

1. Leverage Free WiFi Locations: Many public spaces such as libraries, cafes, retailers, grocery stores, parks, churches, and community centers offer free WiFi access. By planning your internet usage around these locations, you can save on your data plan or reduce the need for a higher-speed (and higher-cost) home internet plan. This is especially useful for tasks that don’t require a secure connection, like browsing or streaming. Always ensure you are mindful of security when connecting to public networks, avoiding sensitive transactions like banking.

2. Check If You Qualify for the Lifeline Program: This federal program offers a $9.25 monthly discount on internet services to qualifying low-income subscribers. Check if you’re eligible at https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers

3. Explore Internet Provider-Specific Discounts:

  • Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers a high-speed internet plan at a reduced rate for qualifying households.
  • Xfinity Internet Essentials: A program for low-income families and individuals that provides affordable internet access.
  • AT&T Access: Offers discounted internet service to qualifying low-income households.
  • T-Mobile Lifeline: A discounted plan for qualifying customers based on their income or if they’re on government assistance.
  • Others: Call to ask if your local provider has a discounted internet plan. 

4. Bundle Services: If you’re using multiple services (like TV, internet, and phone), consider bundling them with the same provider to save money. Providers often offer discounts for combined services.

5. Negotiate Your Bill: Don’t hesitate to call customer service and negotiate your bill. Sometimes, mentioning a competitor’s offer or difficulty affording the current rate can lead to discounts.

6. Promotional Offers: Look for promotional offers for new or existing customers. Switching plans within your current provider or to a new one might lock in lower rates for a period.

7. Purchase Your Modem and Router: Monthly rental fees for modems and routers can add up. Buying your own devices can be a one-time expense that pays off over time.

8. Opt for a Lower Speed Plan: If your internet usage is low, consider downgrading to a lower-speed plan that costs less. Ensure the speed meets your essential internet use.

9. Ask About Special Discounts: Some providers offer discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and other groups. Even if the discount is not advertised, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

10. Use Streaming Apps Instead of Traditional TV Services: With the vast array of streaming services available, consider canceling your traditional TV service. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others can provide a wealth of entertainment at a fraction of the cost. Evaluate your viewing habits to subscribe only to the services you honestly watch.

11. Utilize an HD Antenna for Free Local Channels: For local news, sports, and more, consider using an HD antenna. A one-time purchase can grant you access to free broadcast channels in your area. This can be a great way to keep up with local content without ongoing costs.

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