Georgia Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on Monday announced more than $300 million in new federal funding aimed at expanding high-speed internet access across the state. The investment, delivered through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, is intended to help close Georgia’s digital divide and move the state closer to universal broadband connectivity for the first time in its history.
The BEAD Program targets unserved and underserved communities, with an estimated 15% of Georgians still lacking reliable broadband access. The Georgia Technology Authority will distribute the funds to local contractors to continue building out the state’s broadband infrastructure.
“This federal investment means life gets easier for hundreds of thousands of Georgians, and it provides the tools and infrastructure our communities need to be competitive in today’s economy,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “You need a broadband connection to do just about anything — you can’t even farm without a broadband connection. That is why I am glad to see Georgia finally get the federal funding it needs to close the digital divide despite unnecessary delays and disruptions from the current administration. I will continue to push this administration to release all federal resources available to get Georgians online quickly and efficiently.”
Senator Ossoff called the funding a significant step toward full statewide connectivity. “Our historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver for Georgia. This is a major next step toward ensuring every Georgia family and business has high-speed Internet,” he said.
Senator Warnock has made broadband expansion a key priority, including visits to Georgia-based fiber manufacturers, efforts to strengthen the FCC’s E-Rate program for schools and libraries, and advocacy for rules to prevent digital discrimination. Both Warnock and Ossoff previously announced $1.3 billion in BEAD funding for Georgia in 2023 and have pressed federal officials to expedite the release of additional broadband resources to the states.
With this latest round of funding, Georgia officials say the state is positioned to make historic progress in connecting rural communities, strengthening economic opportunities, and ensuring families and businesses can fully participate in an increasingly digital world.
