Peach Tree Times

Coastal Electric Cooperative and Darien Communications is expanding into southeast Georgia in what Gov. Brian Kemp says is incredibly important for the area. 

The broadband services are being expanded in Liberty, Bryan, and Long counties as Gov. Kemp's office announces the formation of a new broadband provider in southeast Georgia called Coastal Fiber, Inc., a press release said. 

This change will bring high-speed internet service to 16,000 homes and businesses in that area, the release said. 

"I am thankful to Coastal Electric Cooperative for stepping up to help hardworking Georgians gain access to new job opportunities, improved education tools, telemedicine, and much more," Kemp said in the release. "This project will allow thousands of Georgians to have access to reliable, high-speed internet — which is a fundamental part of continued growth. Signed into law in 2019, SB 2 continues to encourage EMCs and community leaders to work together to close the gap on the digital divide in our state."

Coastal Electric and partner Darien Communications are providing a capital investment of close to $40 million to build the fiber network that will then be leased to the cooperative’s broadband affiliate, Coastal Fiber, Inc. pending regulatory approval, the release said. 

Phase one is set to be completed in four years with customers starting to be connected to the high speed internet as early as 2022, the release said. 

"In a 21st century economy, the ability to access high-speed broadband is incredibly important, particularly in rural areas of our state," PSC Commissioner Tim Echols said in a press release. "At the Public Service Commission, we’ve made expanding broadband access a priority, and it’s encouraging to see Coastal Electric and our state’s EMCs continue to show leadership in this area."

Coastal Electric Cooperative CEO Chris Fettes said this announcement was in the works for a long time. 

"This marks the beginning of a new era for our members who have long awaited high-speed internet service. The launch of Coastal Fiber, Inc. will finally make it possible for homes and businesses in this region to have access to critical broadband service," Fettes said in a press release.