High-speed internet expansion into rural Georgia has been a goal for legislators for some time. Reliable, high-speed internet is a critical component of economic expansion and the legislature has been trying to find solutions for several years, while also trying to balance the free market and business concerns of a Republican-led legislature.
Now however, as the economy shifts into as much of a stay-at-home mode as possible, internet capability and reach has taken on a new importance. Anyone that has done much business in South Georgia has probably had some sort of dropped call or slow internet issue. As telehealth usage takes off due to the strain or limitations of some hospitals, internet access will be critical for that as well.
On Monday, Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs announced some new strategies for connecting to high-speed internet throughout the state.
“The fight against COVID-19 is impacting Georgians’ ability to access healthcare, receive educational instruction, and serve customers in traditional ways,” said Governor Kemp. “High-speed internet is important for Georgians to continue receiving care, learning, and teleworking while they follow guidelines for social distancing. We’re grateful so many internet and mobile phone providers have stepped up to meet Georgians’ connectivity needs in this critical time.”
Broadband providers will be offering various options to connect and Georgians can find locations for accessing WiFi around the state by visiting broadband.georgia.gov. Telecommunications cooperatives and government agencies will be offering WiFi accessible from parking lots and many of Georgia’s libraries will be doing the same.
“Georgia’s public libraries have long been a center of learning,” said Julie Walker, Georgia’s State Librarian. “The vast majority of public libraries across the state have WiFi that is free and openly available from the parking lot, often twenty-four hours each day.”
The DCA notes that it is important for those wishing to access public WiFi to stay in their vehicles or otherwise follow the order from Governor Kemp to stay six feet away from others. There are also time-limited free internet services and waiving of disconnect and late fees. There are some eligibility rules that may apply and many of these can be found on the website. There are hundreds of available locations and the website will be updated regularly.
Additionally, many schools are offering free WiFi to students and this may be made available to others as well. To find out if your local school offers public WiFi, officials are urging those interested to contact the school system directly.
“Most internet service providers and mobile phone carriers are generously making it easy and free for Georgians to connect to the internet,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “The state is working to assist Georgians in finding these important options.”
