Broadband town hall set Friday

The public is invited to a town hall meeting Friday at 10 a.m. at the office of Rockwood Electric Utility to discuss rural broadband access.

The meeting will be hosted by Roane County Commissioners Ron Berry and Darryl Meadows.

“This is a chance for residents to learn more about broadband access in their community,” Berry said.

State Sen. Ken Yager will also be in attendance to provide his perspective on the legislative side of the issue.

Representatives from AT&T and Volunteer Energy will be in attendance. 

Charter Communication and Comcast have been invited.

“Broadband accessibility is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity, like electricity.  In addition to being fundamental to the economic growth of our communities, broadband access is important to provide more educational opportunities, better job training and advanced telemedicine,” Yager said.

 The meeting will take place in the REU Conference Room at 319 W. Rockwood St. in Rockwood.