In October 2022, Public Service received a $36.4 million loan through the USDA ReConnect Loan and Grant Program to benefit citizens throughout Central and South Georgia. This investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has helped and will continue to help us equip rural communities with reliable high-speed internet.
At the ReConnect Press Conference on October 27, 2022, Public Service General Manager Jim Bond stated, “We are excited to be able to upgrade and expand our infrastructure across the area we serve with the further installation of fiber optic cables and associated equipment. This significant investment will support our mission statement to serve our communities more efficiently as we continue to grow our network across Middle Georgia.”
Public Service will use this investment to build infrastructure that will connect 21,289 people, 569 businesses, 323 farms, and 29 educational facilities to high-speed internet. Our building efforts will cover the following counties:
- Bibb
- Crawford
- Macon
- Marion
- Monroe
- Talbot
- Taylor
What is the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program?
The ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, also known as the Rural Development Broadband ReConnect Program, stems from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a significant investment to rebuild America’s crumbling infrastructure and bring fast, affordable, reliable internet to all communities. With this funding, Public Service will successfully do our part to close the digital gap and provide every American in our service area the opportunity to benefit from internet access.
Public Service’s Eligibility for the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program
For Public Service to have been eligible for funding from the ReConnect Program, we needed to serve an area that does not currently receive internet services with 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download speeds or 20 Mbps upload speeds. We will use this loan to build the facilities and structures necessary to bring high-speed internet (100 Mbps download and upload speeds) to all our service areas.
How Will Rural Georgia Communities Benefit from Internet Access?
Large areas throughout Middle and South Georgia currently need access to reliable internet. By bringing the infrastructure for affordable internet to these communities, residents will have the ability to:
- Grow businesses
- Connect local businesses to the global market
- Develop more efficient workplace processes
- Expand healthcare solutions
- Improve education systems
- Transform homes
What Can Customers Expect from Public Service?
Public Service is a 4th generation telecommunications company that has served communities throughout Middle Georgia since 1910. From day one, we have remained committed to delivering exceptional communications solutions and services to our customers at affordable prices.
Interested in learning more about our goals and capabilities with our funding from the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program? Talk to the team at Public Service.
Internet service is an ever-evolving commodity that can transform a community once established. Public Service is excited to use our funding from the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program to bring powerful, first-time internet connections to residents throughout our service areas. Talk to us about your internet service today: 478-847-4111
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