Federal money for internet expansion is beginning to be distributed to Georgia through an infrastructure spending law passed last year.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced Monday that Georgia will receive over $6.4 million to improve high-speed internet access.
It’s the first payment to Georgia as part of $65 billion appropriated by Congress to help fund internet service in areas that lack online availability. The state will eventually receive a minimum of $100 million for internet expansion from the infrastructure law, according to the NTIA.
This money will pay for programs to identify areas that lack adequate internet options, grow Georgia’s broadband office, create broadband plans and coordinate with local communities.
“These new funds will jump-start Georgia’s ability to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet service across the state, and open up greater opportunities for work and education,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.
The funding builds on over $648 million in federal COVID-19 relief money that Georgia received for internet service.
Of that amount, $408 million announced in February will be spent to bring internet service to over 132,000 homes and businesses in Georgia.
An additional $240 million in federal grants awarded in August will also pay for internet expansion, especially in rural areas.
In all, the infrastructure law included over $1 trillion in spending over the next decade to improve the nation’s roads, bridges, utility grid, transportation networks and internet availability.
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