Google Enters Georgia’s Public Broadband Debate

Google is among a group of organizations urging Georgia legislators to oppose Senate Bill SB 313. It would prevent funding public broadband networks and subsidizing costs of services with public tax dollars.

But Google and other Internet-based organizations argue that could hurt private-public partnerships and impact workforce development. In a letter to Sen. David Shafer the coalition states: “...this bill, if enacted, will harm both the public and private sectors, stifle economic growth, prevent the creation or retention of thousands of jobs, hamper work force development and diminish the quality of life in Georgia.” Representatives from eight rural cities and counties have also voiced disapproval with the measure