Duck River Electric is pleased to share that United Communications, Middle Tennessee’s leading local fiber internet provider, announced this week that Bedford County has been named a new 8 Gig Certified Community—a designation recognizing Middle Tennessee communities that offer access to the region’s fastest residential internet speeds.

William Bradford, president and CEO of United Communications, and James Wright, president and CEO of Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, presented a commemorative plaque to Mayor Chad Graham and the Bedford County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to mark the milestone and recognize the county’s continued commitment to connectivity, economic development, and digital opportunity.

“Becoming an 8 Gig Certified Community is about what that speed makes possible for a community,” said Bradford. “It means more reliable remote work and online learning, stronger support for small businesses, and the infrastructure Bedford County needs to keep growing. We’re proud to invest locally and to work alongside community leaders to expand access and create opportunity across the county.”

United’s commitment to Bedford County includes ongoing fiber expansion and community connectivity initiatives totaling more than $30 million in infrastructure projects. As part of those efforts, United is the only internet provider to serve Shelbyville and the four corners of the county, where 70% of all homes now have access to fiber internet service.

The company also provides free public Wi-Fi on the historic Shelbyville Square and to all volunteer fire departments across Bedford County. In addition, United upgraded internet service at the Boys & Girls Club of Bedford County to an 8 Gig fiber connection at no cost, helping support digital learning and enrichment programs for students.

“Partnerships like this are about expanding what’s possible for the communities we serve,” said Wright. “Reliable power and reliable connectivity go hand in hand, and we’re proud to work alongside local partners to support economic growth and opportunity in Bedford County.”

“The journey from underserved to Gig Certified did not happen overnight,” said Tracey Strassner, Co-Chair of Connect Bedford. “It happened because Bedford County leaders, residents, schools, businesses, utilities, and community partners chose to work together to build the future intentionally.”

“I’m very proud of Bedford County being recognized as an 8 Gig Certified Community and the positive impact it has on Bedford County Schools,” said Tim Harwell, Superintendent of Bedford County Schools. “More of our students will have the ability to conduct research, work on school-assigned projects, and access online curriculum support.”

Bedford County’s recognition also reflects the broader momentum from Project UNITE, United Communications’ long-term initiative that combines company investment with community partnerships and grant funding to expand reliable, affordable broadband in under-connected rural areas. Through Project UNITE, United has helped bring service to more than 125,000 homes, businesses, and institutions across Middle Tennessee, including Bedford County.

United plans to recognize additional communities through the 8 Gig Certified Community program in the months ahead as its fiber network continues to grow across Middle Tennessee.

8 Gig Premier is United Communications’ fastest residential internet plan, designed for households with heavy connectivity needs—such as gaming, remote work, content creation, and smart home devices. The plan includes a Wi-Fi 7 router and mesh system for whole-home coverage and low latency, along with built-in cybersecurity features, parental controls, and real-time threat protection.

From left are Wright, Mayor Graham, Strassner, Bradford and Vick. (Bedford County Government photo)

To learn more, visit United.net
or call 931-364-2227.