Peach Tree Times

Metter, Ga. — U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are expanding high-speed internet access for families across southeast Georgia.

Today, Sens. Ossoff and Warnock delivered new resources through the bipartisan infrastructure law to help thousands of people in Candler, Evans, and Tattnall Counties access high-quality, affordable internet. 

The new resources will help the Pembroke Telephone Company expand internet access to over 3,000 people across Candler, Evans and Tattnall counties, benefitting four educational facilities, 55 businesses, and 120 farms in the region, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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 championed the expansion of the Affordable Connectivity Program through the bipartisan infrastructure law, which offers up to a $30/month discount on high-speed internet and other discounts on computers, tablets and other internet devices.

“This broadband expansion is crucial for children who are doing schoolwork at home in the afternoons, for small businesses, and for farmers. Senator Warnock and I want to make sure every community in Georgia benefits from high-speed internet access,” Sen. Ossoff said. 

“This rural development investment is another big win for Georgia, stemming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Senator Ossoff and I were proud to champion,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Access to reliable and high-speed internet has become an essential foundation for economic growth and social equity. In today’s digital age, investing in rural broadband is not just an option, but a critical necessity. That is why, working to deploy high-speed internet for families and business across Candler, Evans, and Tattnall Counties, we will better bridge the digital divide and create opportunities in education, health care, good-paying jobs, and more.”

Pembroke Telephone Company Inc. will receive $9,472,875 through the USDA’s Rural Development ReConnect program, which was created by the bipartisan infrastructure law.

According to Georgia’s Broadband Availability Map, as of 2020, more than one million Georgians still lack access to high-speed internet, and nearly 70% of these people are located in rural communities across the state.

Georgians can find more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and learn how to apply here.

Original Source can be found here.