Resources through the bipartisan Infrastructure Act will expand high-speed Internet access in Candler, Evans and Tattnall Counties
Families can also apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a $30/month discount on broadband for eligible households
Metter, Ga. — US Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are expanding high-speed Internet access for families across Southeast Georgia.
Today, through the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock committed new resources to bring quality, affordable Internet access to thousands of people in Candler, Evans and Tattnall Counties.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, Pembroke Telephone Company’s new resources will help expand Internet access to over 3,000 people in Candler, Evans and Tattnall counties. Four educational institutions, 55 companies and 120 farms in the region benefit from this.
With the grant, Pembroke Telephone Company will also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has helped more than 350,000 low-income Georgians afford internet service. Sens. Ossoff and Warnock campaigned for the bipartisan infrastructure bill to expand the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers up to $30 a month off high-speed Internet and other rebates on computers, tablets and other Internet devices.
“This broadband rollout is critical for children doing afternoon homework, for small businesses and for farmers. Senator Warnock and I want to ensure that every Georgia community benefits from high-speed Internet access.” said Senator Ossoff.
“This investment in rural development is another major win for Georgia that stems from the bipartisan infrastructure bill that Senator Ossoff and I were proud to support.” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Access to reliable and fast internet has become an essential foundation for economic growth and social justice. In today’s digital age, investing in rural broadband is not just an option, it is a critical necessity. That’s why, by bringing high-speed internet to families and businesses in Candler, Evans and Tattnall Counties, we will better bridge the digital divide and create opportunities in education, healthcare, high-paying jobs and more.”
Pembroke Telephone Company Inc. will receive $9,472,875 through the USDA’s Rural Development ReConnect program created by the bipartisan infrastructure bill.
According to Georgia’s Broadband Availability Map, as of 2020, more than a million Georgians still do not have access to high-speed internet, and nearly 70% of these people live in rural communities across the state.
Georgians can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and how to apply here.
