Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce Funding to Expand Rural Broadband

Statement

Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff secured $8.1 million to expand broadband in Lumpkin County, Ga.

The funding will help expand and improve internet connections for more than 5,000 households and 193 businesses across the county. It will also fund broadband expansions for Lumpkin County schools, libraries, and health care providers.

"The pandemic forced many of us to live even more of our lives online. Hardworking Lumpkin County families need reliable internet access for their jobs, education, health care and so much more," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "I'm pleased to see significant federal investments coming to rural Georgia. I look forward to continuing to provide our rural communities with the virtual and physical infrastructure they need to connect with the rest of the state and thrive in our bustling economy."

"I promised to expand broadband internet access in rural Georgia, and I'm pleased to announce this investment in fiber optic connectivity for Lumpkin County," Senator Jon Ossoff said.

"More than 30 million Americans lack access to reliable broadband, and the problem is worse in minority and rural communities. In Georgia, 15% of households don't have an internet subscription and 6% of Georgians live in areas where there is zero broadband infrastructure. This is an incredible injustice, and today, the Biden-Harris Administration reaffirms our commitment to reversing it," said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. "Today's awards bring us one step closer to closing the digital divide in Georgia and across the country, ensuring that all Americans can access the internet in order to participate in our modern economy."

Sens. Ossoff and Warnock continue to work to get more Georgia homes and businesses online.

As part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock secured at least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across Georgia and established the Affordable Connectivity Program to help low-income Georgians afford internet service.

More than three million low-income households in Georgia are eligible to apply to the Affordable Connectivity Program, and over 350,000 Georgians are already enrolled in the program.

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