FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 12, 2021 CONTACT: Bridget Holden bridgetnt@lorettotel.com LORETTO TELECOM RECEIVES $1.7 MILLION TENNESSEE BROADBAND ACCESSIBILITY GRANT

Area Internet Services Provider to Expand Fiber Internet Services Throughout Lawrence County LORETTO, Tenn. – Loretto Telecom, a SkyBest Company, announced today that the State of Tennessee has awarded the internet services provider $1.7 million, to be used to continue the company’s expansion of fiber internet/broadband services throughout Lawrence County, TN. The state awarded the grant based on Loretto Telecom’s demonstrated ability to implement and sustain its fast internet projects long-term with strong community support. Loretto Telecom General Manager, Jason Shelton, explained, “The funds will be used to further expand Loretto Telecom’s fiber network into rural unserved areas of Lawrence County. This is a great opportunity to build on our existing Fiber Optic network already in place and offer both residential and business high-speed internet to portions of the county previously unavailable to Loretto Telecom.” In awarding the grant, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee commented, “Every Tennessean should have access to the same high-speed broadband, no matter what zip code they live in. Our continued investment in internet connectivity will help level the playing field for rural communities across our state.” Tennessee Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe added, “As many of us have transitioned to a lifestyle of working, telecommuting and learning from home, we have seen how much we rely on broadband, and those who do not have access are placed at a significant disadvantage. We will be able to connect previously unserved homes and businesses to broadband service, positioning rural Tennessee for future success.” As Lawrence County’s only true fiber internet provider, Loretto Telecom offers upload and download internet speeds as fast as 1 gigabit per second (GPS). Shelton explained, “Our broadband internet speeds are unmatched throughout the surrounding area. This capability makes Lawrence County very competitive in business and industry development and provides the teaching and learning tools and accessibility that improve our children’s education opportunities in every corner of the county.” Shelton continued, “Everyone here at Loretto Telecom is part of our local Lawrence County community. Our homes, our roots, our families, are all part of this wonderful place. We are committed to working every day to improve the lives and opportunities for everyone who calls this home and look forward to reaching every corner of the county. This grant helps us ramp up our plan for expansion in 2021 and reaching into 2022.” To learn more about Loretto Telecom, a SkyBest Company, visit lorettotel.com, or call 931-853-4351. To learn more about Tennessee’s broadband initiatives, visit tn.gov/broadband