Meeting planned to discuss internet access in county

A town hall-style meeting has been set for county residents and officials to gather and discuss high speed and broadband Internet access in rural areas of the county.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 in the Belgreen High School auditorium.

“For years, one of the county’s biggest problems was lack of access to four-lane highways,” Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow said.

“Now, 98 percent of our residents can connect to a four-lane highway. So one of our biggest issues we have now is the lack of high speed and broadband internet access.”

Morrow said local officials, including Rep. Robert Aderholt’s office, as well as those representing AT&T and other providers, will be on hand.

“This is to help us begin the discussions on what steps we need to take to help provide our residents and businesses with the access they need to compete in today’s world,” Morrow said.

“Our businesses that do not have high speed Internet access are at a disadvantage when they try to compete with other companies who do have those resources. And, our school children, especially college-age students, who are going to class and are expected to do work at home. If they don’t have the tools they need to do their work, then we are not providing them with the same advantages.”

Morrow said he wants to see as many people as possible at next week’s meeting.

“I would love broad participation from anyone in the county that is interested. We need as much feedback as possible so we can get a feel for what our residents need and what they want.”