Broadband expansion in Georgia

Georgia has taken a giant step toward resolving the digital divide between its urban and rural communities within preliminary broadband project awards. The preliminary awards target households and businesses in areas deemed unprofitable for internet companies to provide connection throughout the state.

Grant funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be provided to 49 recipients to expand access to faster, more reliable broadband in 70 Georgia counties.

The awards represent an investment of more than $738 million in the state’s broadband infrastructure when matching funds are contributed.

Federal internet funding from the ARPA represents about 10% of the total $4.8 billion in COVID-19 relief money allocated for Georgia and is consistent with broadband expansion initiatives laid out in the infrastructure law.

Many of the grantees represent public-private sector partnerships, and most of the recipients are electric membership cooperatives or local governments that will partner with internet service providers.

See the full list of recipients here.