Coronavirus reveals critical gaps in Georgia internet service

Rural Georgians struggling who for years have struggled to gain internet access could see new sympathy from internet users in Georgia towns and suburbs. Critical to supplying that service are the state's 42 Electric Membership Cooperatives (EMCs), which provide electricity to well over two thirds of Georgia's real estate. But state lawmakers so far are showing little interest in asking Georgia taxpayers to help their rural neighbors with the price of internet. Instead, the Chairman of the House Telecom Committee Don Parsons (R-Marietta), thinks EMC members themselves may be persuaded by the coronavirus demands to pressure the leadership of their own organizations. He sees the potential as he acknowledges "there's a risk, to do something you have not done before."  A critical question he'd like answered is whether EMCs will be willing to work with other partners to lessen the price and encourage more customers. The debate in the state legislature will wait until lawmakers decide the threat is lessened and the session can resume. In the meantime, however, the sight of students gathering at fairgrounds for internet access may push EMC members to new conversations.