 In terms of internet service speed, Georgia was ranked eleventh in 2009 with an average download speed of 6.5 mbps, up from 5.2 mbps the previous year. Over 60% of households had internet access in 2007, with more than 50% having a broadband service.
In May 2006, $4 million of state funding was provided to establish a network for wireless internet access through the Wireless Communities Georgia Program. Priority was to be given to networks operated by private internet providers, who had to contribute at least 25% of the project cost. A further $1 million was made available in 2007 to extend wifi coverage. By November 2009, Milledgeville became the fifth city to benefit as internet provider AT&T launched its new 3G wireless network.
A separate $5 million program managed by the OneGeorgia Authority aimed to set up broadband internet services for rural communities. This led to the formation of the South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority to develop a network throughout the region. The intention of the two programs is to have a high speed service for all communities.
Business DSL is provided through Georgia PublicWeb, a not-for-profit ISP backed by 32 Georgia municipalities. Fiber optic cable is available for businesses in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the north of the state through Net2Atlanta's Metro-E. However, the state is not on Verizon's list for FiOS deployment in the near future.
The state, through its Georgia Technology Authority, has also been in contact with NTIA to obtain funding to map broadband availability. The second stage will be a planning grant to promote further adoption.
One of the original thirteen colonies that revolted against British rule and one of the seven Confederate states, Georgia has a mainly sub-tropical climate. Many areas have hot summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild, drier winters.
The state is a major food producer, being the world's number one producer of pecans. It has significant mineral and timber industry, plus textiles, automobiles and aircraft manufacturing. Headquartered in Georgia are 15 Fortune 500 companies and 26 Fortune 1000 companies plus over 1700 international companies from 43 countries.
There is a strong military presence in Georgia and its electricity generation and consumption is among the highest in the US. Atlanta, the state capital, is a major center for communications and the most populous city. Next are Augusta, Columbus and Savannah.
Cities in Georgia likely to have, or soon to receive, fiber optic cable internet services include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, Macon, Athens, Gainesville, Albany, Dalton, Valdosta, Warner Robins and Brunswick. Locations in GA with highest population counts will be targeted first by providers, though relatively high speeds can be achieved with dial-up or DSL through companies such as Netzero and Charter Communications Cable.
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Coverage Unlikely
