Athens residents encouraged to verify broadband availability by February 14

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) is seeking grant funding through the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. These grant funds may be used to supplement existing SPLOST 2020 Project 22: Broadband Connectivity Project funding to help improve access to broadband internet service in the county.

GTA relies on the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map for data about high-speed internet services available to every address in Athens-Clarke County. These types of services include satellite, cable, wireless, fiber, phone line, mobile 3G/4G/5G, and other broadband service options as reported by the Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

“It is important for residents to verify that the availability of broadband internet service as indicated on the FCC’s National Broadband map for their address is accurate,” said Derek Doster, SPLOST Project Manager. “An accurate map helps identify the unserved and underserved areas that need funding for more high-speed internet investments.”

The SPLOST Office is asking residents - especially those who have been unable to get services - to look up their addresses on the National Broadband map. Any resident who believes the map is incorrect or inaccurate can challenge the services listed that are incorrect or unavailable and update the map’s information.

Residents can take the following steps to view the map and data: 

1. Visit www.accgov.com/broadband and click on the FCC National Broadband Map button.

2. Once on the map, type an address into the search bar. 

3. Review the location and broadband provider information details for the address.

4. Challenge the location or broadband availability details if the information is believed to be wrong or if services are not available. 

Challenges to the map should be made by Wednesday, February 14 in order to meet the deadline for the next round of funding opportunities, although challenges can be made at any time.

For more information on the SPLOST 2020 Broadband Connectivity Enhancement Project, visit www.accgov.com/broadband or call 706-613-3025.