Tenn. Code Ann. § 65-36-106: Telephone, telegraph and telecommunications services

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or other law to the contrary, if the exercise of power or authority granted by this chapter involves any system, plant, or equipment for the provision of telephone, telegraph, telecommunications services or any other like system, plant, or equipment, such exercise, whether by a municipal electric system, an electric cooperative or jointly, shall not be subject to this chapter but instead shall be subject to title 7, chapter 52, as amended. With respect to telephone, telegraph, or telecommunications services, electric cooperatives shall be subject to regulation by the Tennessee public utility commission to the same extent as municipal electric utilities under title 7, chapter 52.