$65,000 State Broadband Grant Brings Community-Wide Wireless Communications Network to Historic Granville
- Nancy Spears
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Jackson County, Historic Granville, and Twin Lakes recently celebrated the completion of a
new community-wide wireless communications network made possible through a $65,000
grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development &
Broadband Ready Communities Program.
Community leaders, residents, and project partners gathered in Historic Granville for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the investment in expanded connectivity for the area.
The new wireless communications network provides enhanced access to technology and
communications services for visitors throughout Historic Granville while strengthening public safety through improved access to emergency communications.
Before the project, limited connectivity in certain areas created challenges for visitors needing to contact emergency services and restricted access to critical communication tools. Funded through the state grant program in partnership with Jackson County, the project reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural communities through modern infrastructure while preserving the area's rich heritage and tourism appeal. "This project demonstrates how strategic investments in connectivity can create meaningful opportunities for rural communities" said Taylre Beaty, State Broadband Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). "By working together, state and local partners are helping ensure communities like Granville have access to the technology infrastructure needed to support tourism, safety, economic development, and future growth". The network is expected to benefit visitors and public spaces throughout Granville while supporting long-term economic vitality and improved quality of life.
"Reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is essential infrastructure", said Jonathan West, CEO and General Manager of Twin Lakes. "We are honored to support Jackson County and Historic Granville in bringing this project to life. This partnership is an excellent example of how state, county, and community leaders can work together to expand access to technology while enhancing one of Tennessee's most unique destinations. "For Historic Granville, the project represents another investment in the community's future while
enhancing the experience of the thousands of visitors who travel to the town each year.
"Historic Granville has always been committed to preserving our past while embracing opportunities that help us thrive in the future", said Randall Clemons, President of the Granville Museum". This new wireless communications network strengthens our ability to serve visitors, improve access to emergency communications, support our events and attractions, and help ensure that Granville remains a vibrant destination for generations to come". The completion of the project highlights the impact of collaborative partnerships in bringing innovative solutions to rural Tennessee communities.
About Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is a leading provider of broadband, voice, security, mobile, and business technology solutions serving communities across Middle Tennessee. Through continued investment in advanced communications infrastructure, Twin Lakes remains committed to connecting people, businesses and communities to greater opportunities.

Pictured Front Row (L-R) – Anna Sue Garrison, Kaleigh Garrison, Olivia Johnson, Jim Morgan, Taylre Beaty, Jonathan West, Karen Petty, Ryan Hopkins, Gary Flynn, Nathan Means, Jared Norrod
Back Row (L-R) - Joanna Williams, David Carter, Randall Clemons, Carolyn Dudney, Lee Richardson, Melissa Mitchell, Lisa Huff, Stan Webster, Bill McDonald, Joseph Scantland, Gregory Brown, Jamie Meadows, Christy West, Doug Elder, Shane Heupel, Nathan Birdwell, Richard Logan, Jonathan Peek






A few years back, when my family operated a heritage gift shop in a rural district, our biggest hurdle was inconsistent internet coverage, which severely impacted our online sales and local outreach. Once municipal infrastructure upgraded, we immediately expanded our digital presence. To make the most of our new connection, we experimented with targeted ad networks, and finding a link here explaining direct redirect traffic helped us drive nearby tourists straight to our digital storefront without complicated ad campaigns. Modern connectivity paired with smart local marketing really breathes new life into historic communities!