Funds launch Johnson County's wireless telecommunications network   

From Staff Reports

  MOUNTAIN CITY -- Congressman Bill Jenkins, (R-1st), and Appalachian Regional Commission Co-Chair, Anne Pope launched Johnson County's high-speed broadband wireless telecommunications network Tuesday afternoon during a presentation of an ARC check at the Johnson County High School library.
  The funding will enable a system that will benefit all sectors of the community, especially education and business.
  Several business leaders, state and county officials, and East Tennessee State University representatives attended the presentation of the check at 2:30 p.m. In addition to ARC funding, $192,000 will come from the state, and $24,000 from local sources.
  The project will include the installation of wireless towers, the placement of antennas and other ancillary electronic equipment necessary to establish the new network.
  Johnson County's school system, along with ETSU, Northeast State Technical Community College, and the county's Small Business Development Center, will use the network for expanded curriculums and technical assistance programs for business. Many businesses will immediately utilize the new network for e-commerce activities.