Walker County Government released a Community Connectivity Plan designed to serve as a guiding document for making decisions about future broadband deployment projects and digital skills training efforts. The plan compiles an inventory of internet assets in the county to help community leaders target disparities in broadband service.
The county, in collaboration with Thrive Regional Partnership, developed the Community Connectivity Plan, as part of the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, a Connect Humanity program funded by the Appalachia Regional Commission. Walker County was one of 50 Appalachian communities selected for the program to address challenges to building sustainable, long-term solutions to digital needs.
The Community Connectivity Plan shows nearly a dozen ISPs currently serve Walker County. Still, over 16% of the population is not online. Access is impacted by affordability and availability. Over 40% of households in Walker County with incomes less than $20,000 do not have an internet subscription. Additionally, over 17% of Walker County residents use only a wireless solution (cellular or satellite) to access the internet.
“We now know which Internet Service Providers (ISP) are operating in the county, how they deliver that service, what they charge, and which areas are unserved or underserved,” said Joe Legge, public relations director. “The county can use this data to develop partnerships with ISPs and community organizations to target gaps in broadband access, digital skills and device accessibility through unprecedented funding sources.”
Georgia recently received $1.3 billion in federal funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support broadband grant initiatives across the state. In addition, the Digital Equity Act, funded by the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, provides a wealth of financial resources to help communities improve digital connectivity.
Along with developing the Community Connectivity Plan, Walker County has embarked on a public wi-fi initiative to implement internet access points at county facilities. The Civic Center, main courthouse, and various community centers, including the newly renovated Rossville Community Center, now offer public wi-fi. Grant funding has also been obtained to provide public wi-fi and a device charging station at Walker Rocks Park.
