Georgia lawmakers conduct survey to identify rural market broadband gaps

Georgia’s lawmakers are working together to find a way to enhance broadband service in the state’s rural areas by asking residents to take an online survey about their service experience. After tallying the survey results, state Sen Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega (GA)) said a joint committee of state lawmakers will make a set of recommendations, including developing tax incentives to further broadband investment and getting rid of certain government regulation. State Sen Gooch said that substandard Internet service creates a barrier to economic development in rural parts of Northeast Georgia. State Sen Gooch added that businesses say broadband weighs heavily on whether they will locate their business in a particular town or city.