Advocacy in Action Blog Post: AARP Georgia Backs Broadband Expansion Efforts

In Georgia, an estimated 626,070 people, or 25 percent of the rural population, are without access to 25 Mbps/3 Mbps internet service. This lack of high-speed internet, or broadband as it is commonly referred, can have a lasting impact.

AARP Georgia supports broadband expansion because broadband delivers new technologies that are improving the quality of life for people of all ages and can help older Georgians live independently in their homes and communities. It also combats social isolation and improves well-being by supporting services like distance learning and telehealth.

Last year, the Georgia Legislature passed a bill that directs the state to map out underserved areas, and allows the Georgia Department of Transportation to give up its rights of way for private investors to install fiber-optic cables along interstates. This work is underway.

This year, AARP Georgia is supporting a bill that would authorize electric membership corporations and their affiliates to provide broadband services. This legislation will help to fill the gap in broadband deployment in some rural locations and help to ensure access and affordability for all Georgians to benefit fully from new technologies. Click here to view the legislation.

Contact your state senator in support of SB 2, sponsored by Republican Sen. Steve Gooch from the 51st District, to authorize electric membership corporations and their affiliates to provide broadband services.