District four commissioner, William Brown, spoke over the phone about Oglethorpe County’s internet issues, and growth.
Citizens of the county expressed their thoughts and concerns about the internet over a questionnaire form that was shared through social media.
The twenty question form set the stage for a phone conversation that would discuss major concerns of the county’s internet.
To begin the discussion, Brown referred to a website that is listed at the end of this article.
“The blue spots are from a $7.9 million dollar grant, and show areas where charter is currently being set up and used…the green spots are are areas that are expected to have charter by 2026.”
All growth from now up until 2027 is being made possible by the $7.9 million grant. Over the past eight years nearly $30 million has been invested in better internet.
“From 2016 and 2017 up until now, we have shown a huge improvement in quality and growth,” Brown added.
The majority of growth has been done through grants rather than county money. Brown says the lack of county spending has to do with not only insufficient funds, but also from a previous situation regarding the provider, Paladean.
Brown also elaborated on the fact that, other providers only service certain areas. Internet providers such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and others only service specific areas.
"We have no control over where they service," Brown expressed.
Providers like Spectrum do service in Oglethorpe County, but you must be in city limits. This is not ideal for those who live in more rural areas of the county.
One question that occurred was is there any plan to take in community feedback. Brown stated that he appreciates feedback, but when it comes to seeing what speed households have, he already knew. "The state provides that information, so I already know the speeds everyone is getting," Brown said.
Brown was thanked for his time, and the conversation ended. Brown provided the following link to see the progress being made in Oglethorpe County.
To view, click the link and on the right hand side enable "Grant Layers."
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