Loretto Telecom opens five public Wi-Fi hot spots

CARES Act provides funding to increase public access

LORETTO, Tennessee — Loretto Telecom has installed five new public Wi-Fi hot spots in the Lawrenceburg and Loretto areas to boost access to broadband for more people.

“One thing this pandemic has taught us is the importance of a reliable broadband internet connection,” says Jason Shelton, General Manager at Loretto Telecom. “With more and more people working and studying from home, broadband is no longer just a luxury. It is a vital component to modern life.”

The emergency broadband grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development was made available through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act, which provided more than $2 trillion in economic stimulus.

“The people in this community deserve to have access to the same high-speed internet offered in urban areas,” says Loretto Mayor Jesse Turner. “Loretto Telecom’s fiber optic network is a real asset to the community.”

“So many daily activities today require a reliable high-speed broadband connection, and Loretto Telecom’s fiber project is the most reliable and fastest technology available,” says Lawrenceburg Mayor Blake Lay. “The fiber network they are building will open up the residents of this community to so many new  opportunities that are not available in this area without it.”

The new Wi-Fi networks are open at:

• Lawrenceburg Public Square, Downtown Lawrenceburg
• Loretto City Park, 200 Park St., Loretto
• Loretto Public Library, 102 S. Main St., Loretto
• Weathers Park, 205 W. Commerce St., Loretto
• Loretto Sports Complex, 703 2nd Ave. S., Loretto

Fiber optic broadband is a future-proof technology that increases property values and improves the quality of life. Fiber broadband means better access to health care through telemedicine, more educational opportunities through distance learning, increased opportunities for economic development, and of course a better video streaming and gaming experience.

“Fiber optic technology is the future of broadband, and we are excited to be able to provide these Wi-Fi hot spots for people within our community who don’t have reliable broadband access,” Shelton says. “Loretto Telecom will continue working with federal, state and local agencies to improve broadband access in our rural communities.”

For more information about broadband from Loretto Telecom, visit LorettoFiber.com.

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About Loretto Telecom
Loretto Telecom’s telephone and data networks currently offers services to around 7,000 residents and businesses and cover an area of 320 square miles. Loretto Telecom monitors and maintains 12 local and remote offices and 19 fiber optic remotes serving over 14 communities throughout Lawrence County.