THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Internet access may be getting faster in rural areas in South Georgia.
Thomasville and Thomas County leaders are working to secure funding for an internet access project, through the "Connect America Fund".
The Federal Communications Commission, under it's Connect America Fund, plans to spend 2 billion dollars over the next 10 years for internet in rural areas. And leaders in South Georgia say its definitely needed.
Thomasville and Thomas County leaders met Thursday to go over the Connect America Phase 2. A resolution was passed during that meeting.
The resolution is an endorsement from the county to the City of Thomasville for this application to the FCC.
This phase of the application approves the city and county's eligibility to the FCC as a telecommunications provider, showing financials and the need within the community.
Chris White, Assistant Superintedent of Utilites in Thomasville, says it would be a huge benefit to the community, encouraging economic growth and a better quality of living.
On the Connect America Fund map online you can see areas of South Georgia and Thomas County right in the middle. The orange areas are the main areas in focus followed by purple.
On the resolution it states that many rural areas in Thomas County currently have no broadband and where it is available the quality of the service ranges from 5 to 25 megabytes.
