Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative Successfully Utilizes Data for Effective Decision Making

On June 30, the issues of our statewide digital divide were illustrated with the release of the Georgia Broadband Availability map. This mapping initiative is a key component of our strategic purpose. Our ongoing partnership with the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) and Carl Vinson Institute of Government affords us the opportunity to illustrate statewide challenges to internet access and provide key stakeholders a tool with enhanced precision to make data-driven decisions. This tool, the first of its kind, reflects more than 5 million locations in all 159 counties. In the span of 18 months, the methodology was executed by overlaying every home and business along with broadband provider service availability for those locations to provide an enhanced comprehensive, in-depth view of served and unserved areas.

[Deana Perry brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as Executive Director of the Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative which is housed in the state Department of Community Affairs. She has served in various capacities as a broadband advocate including the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission, Parker Systems, and the Fiber Network Owners Alliance, Inc.]