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PrintWhat will the network be used for?
When and why was SGRITA created?
What is Wireless Broadband?
Answer:
This is NOT WiFi. Wireless broadband is very similar to cable, DSL, or fiber in that it provides a high speed data connection to the Internet. It is different from those services though in that it doesn't require a physical line to be run. Instead, service is delivered via a wireless link to tower sites, much like cell phone service. It can be slightly less reliable than a wired service, but it can reach places other broadband services cannot and provides a way for us all to re-invest in the community and help our area grow.
SGRITA has invested in FCC licensed frequencies, much like a radio or television station that allows us exclusive use of our frequencies. This means unlike WiFi or other unlicensed frequencies, we can use more power to reach our customers. Think of it this way; baby monitor and CB radios use unlicensed frequencies but your local radio and television stations use licensed frequencies.
What will the network be used for?
Answer:
In 2006, a group of local volunteers contracted with Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute to conduct surveys and interview sessions to understand how people in the region want to use broadband and examined applications from pivot control to remote learning. The network is designed to support these as best it can in a cost effective manner. If you have a question on what the network can do, or ideas on what you'd like to see, please send them to info@sgrita.org or call our main number. We'd love to hear from you and know folks will think of ideas we've never considered.
When and why was SGRITA created?
Answer:
SGRITA was formed in March 2007 after enabling legislation was passed through the support of Representative Gerald Green. SGRITA was created to provide broadband and technology leadership within the five counties.
The five counties recognized they are significantly behind other parts of Georgia in broadband availability and that the US in general is falling behind other parts of the world.
SGRITA recognizes that technology is increasingly important for our education, health, safety, communication, and economic competitiveness. SGRTIA Board consists of two representatives from each county. The County Commission Chairperson or their designate and a second person presented by the County Commission Chairperson plus at large member, Meetings are open to the public.
What is SyncSouth Broadband?
Answer:
The SyncSouth Broadband - South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority (SGRITA) is a consortium of five counties whose goal is to deploy a state-of-the-art broadband network throughout Baker, Calhoun, Early, Miller and Mitchell Counties, specifically to areas that are underserved or ignored by existing broadband providers.
SGRITA is a public multi-county technology authority created by State Legislative Act and is governed by local volunteers, two from each county.
A century ago, when communities across the country wanted access to electricity, small communities were left out by the private companies who concentrated making the most profit from the new technology by providing the service where they could make the most money. For many small communities today, as Yogi Berra might say, "it's deja vu all over again" in the quest to bring broadband communications to small town America. Just as communities required electricity in the late 1800s to maintain their place in the country's economy, broadband internet service is today just as important to the economic security of rural communities.
We see the integration of broadband internet access as vital an infrastructure for our economy as rails and roads have served in the past. Furthermore, we recognize that access to information builds knowledge, that knowledge is power and universal access to the internet empowers all our citizens with the ability to succeed on an equal footing with our urban neighbors. We envision developing a conduit whereby all of our citizens are equipped with the tools to succeed.
Funding from OneGeorgia Authority through the OneGeorgia BRIDGE program and our community's dedication have enabled this project to move forward.
When can I get service?
Answer:
SyncSouth Broadband is currently rolling out service across our 2,000 square mile service area. Please refer to our deployment map.
SyncSouth Broadband is actively connecting enterprise level clients throughout our network. This includes government offices, larger businesses and other entities that require more bandwidth that small business or homes. Please contact us for a customized proposal.