Central Georgia Gets an Internet Upgrade
Ocmulgee EMC announced plans today to transform life for its members by partnering with Conexon Connect to provide access to reliable, affordable, high-speed fiber broadband service.
"When I ran for Governor in 2018, I promised to bring opportunity to all Georgians, no matter their zip code," said Governor Brian Kemp. "We've seen vast expansions of broadband internet access across rural Georgia, connecting our citizens to a wide network of resources and opening doors. I commend Ocmulgee EMC and Conexon for this exciting public-private partnership and their commitment to creating value for their communities."
Conexon Connect is an internet service provider created and managed by rural fiber-optic network design and construction management leader Conexon. Ocmulgee EMC is teaming up with Conexon Connect to launch and deploy a network that could span up to 2,100 miles of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), providing high-speed internet access to up to 8,000 members in Laurens, Dodge, Bleckley, Pulaski and Telfair counties in central Georgia. Made possible by a $19 million grant funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the ultimate goal of the project will be to provide all of Ocmulgee EMC’s membership with fiber internet, dependent on funding availability. Breaking ground in September of 2022, the first customers are expected to be connected in early 2023 with project completion estimated at 2-4 years.
The fiber-optic network will offer members access to symmetrical Gigabit internet capabilities (same download and upload speeds) – among the fastest and most robust in the nation. Additionally, it will provide reliable, clear phone service and enable the benefits of smart grid capabilities to the electrical infrastructure, including improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery and other benefits.
"Broadband access is essential," said Congressman Austin Scott. "My colleagues and I have worked for years to help provide access for underserved areas and I applaud the Governor’s office, the EMCs, and the companies that are investing in communities here in Georgia’s 8th District and across the state."
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