From online classes and telemedicine to family movie night, Gibson Connect gives rural residents and businesses the same high-speed internet people enjoy in big cities.

Monday, March 23, to Friday, March 27, is Broadband Appreciation Week, and Gibson Electric Membership Corporation is recognizing our members for supporting Gibson Connect and our dedicated fiber team for bringing fast, reliable internet to our communities.

“From the beginning, our members’ trust has fueled everything we do, and our employees’ dedication has helped us bridge the digital divide,” said Gibson Electric and Gibson Connect President and CEO Dan Rodamaker.

Gibson Connect is a wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of Gibson Electric formed in June 2017 after former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam signed the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act. The legislation allows private, not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled electric cooperatives to provide retail internet service to their members.

Fiber buildout to eligible Gibson Electric members began in 2018. Buildout was driven by members but moved quicker than anticipated thanks to their support and digital opportunity grants the cooperative received.

Since then, Gibson Connect has expanded service outside the Gibson Electric footprint through partnerships with municipalities and local utility providers.

“By serving nearby residents, we grow the network, help keep electric rates affordable for our members and extend the benefits of fiber internet across our region,” said Gibson Connect Vice President of Operations Charles Phillips. “It’s a win for our members and our communities.”

From fiber installation/repair technicians to technical support representatives to leadership, Gibson Connect employees know they are part of something special.

“I love being part of providing high-speed, fiber-based internet service to the homes of our rural members just as those before us did with electricity,” said Manager of Outside Plant Teresa Burkett. “Knowing that we are bettering our communities and making them stronger by providing affordable internet that’s the same as what’s available in larger cities gives us pride in our work.”

More than 21,000 members strong and backed by a 90 Net Promoter Score, Gibson Connect delivers world‑class service with hometown care. Our employees build it. Our members and subscribers power it. Together, we’re turning rural roads into digital main streets — and we’re just getting started.

Sign up or learn more about Gibson Connect online at gibsoncoops.com or by calling 731-562-6000.