GTA continues 'Let's Connect Georgia' events to inform state's Digital Connectivity Plan

Building on the success of previous listening sessions, the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) announced today that it will continue its series of "Let's Connect Georgia" events aimed at gathering insights on local solutions for enhancing connectivity.

These collaborative sessions play a crucial role in finalizing Georgia's state Digital Connectivity Plan. The first draft of the plan is set to be posted for public comment in late October. The plan will help guide the allocation of funding for broadband service-based programs with the aim to enhance economic, educational, health, and social opportunities for all Georgians, particularly focusing on closing the digital divide.

Over the next month, GTA will host the following planning meetings. Both meetings are free and open to the public. To register and view the most up-to-date information about the events, visit the Let's Connect Georgia webpage.

Tuesday, October 24
South Region Action Planning Meeting
9:30 a.m. - noon
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Cox Hall
4089 Val Tech Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

Thursday, November 9
Middle Region Action Planning Meeting
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Macon Marriott City Center
240 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217

"The Georgia Technology Authority is committed to closing the digital divide in Georgia," said GTA Digital Connectivity Manager, Oneisha Freeman. "Digital connectivity goes beyond broadband infrastructure investment. It's about ensuring all individuals, regardless of income or zip code, can effectively use digital tools for tasks like remote work, online education, and connecting with loved ones. These events offer a platform for community members to directly contribute to crafting our state's connectivity roadmap."

In collaboration with the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), GTA is in the planning phase for allocating over $1.3 billion in grant funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), these funds aim to expand broadband.

This effort closely aligns with the state's Digital Connectivity Plan development. The BEAD Program and the Digital Connectivity Program are braided together, sharing the mutual goal of providing robust, high-speed internet connections to all Georgians and equipping them with the tools and skills they need to take full advantage of opportunities enabled by internet access.

For more information, visit the Georgia Broadband Program webpage.