MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Broadband access has been a nationwide problem, and it continues to be a central concern for communities in Shelby County, with only 25% of people in Memphis having access to high-speed internet.
On Thursday, a huge investment of $6 million was announced by the Shelby County House Republicans. This grant money will triple the number of Memphians who have access to broadband and improve lives.
Accessing the internet comes as a luxury to some people. However, in 2024 there are still some people who don't have access to the internet at all.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development is addressing the issue by allocating the $6 million that will be spread across 10 organizations in Shelby County to help residents.
State Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis) was part of the group of Shelby County House Republicans who see these funds as a win for the community, releasing the following statement:
These investments will help bridge the digital divide that unfortunately still exists in Memphis and Shelby County. Organizations like CodeCrew and Latino Memphis offer valuable workforce development training opportunities that can lead to better paying jobs for residents. These efforts not only help end generational poverty, but they can reduce crime as well. I look forward to the positive results these grants will have throughout our communities.
Latino Memphis' CEO, Mauricio Calvo, said they are expected to receive more than $850,000 in this multi-year grant. According to Calvo, this grant will help expand their reach in the Latino community. He also said they plan to host digital life classes on how to access the internet and apply it to their everyday lives.
"They know how to use Facebook or Instagram, but often times, we wouldn't know to apply for a job or how to register kids for school or how to do a medical appointment virtually," Calvo said.
Last year, former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said at least 20% of people across Memphis did not have internet. Many of those people live in Frayser.
Pastor Ricky Floyd of Pursuit of God Transformation Center said he's advocating for change in his community. He said it's hard to attract new businesses in an area with limited internet access.
"It adds to the stereotype of those people are not doing business with a spirit of excellence," he said. "It has nothing to do with our business. Our business is affected by the internet."
This huge initiative to expand broadband in Memphis is being led by Blue Suede Networks.
Last month, the company broke ground on its $829 million dollar project to bring affordable high-speed internet to the city. That project will also create 4,600 jobs.