FACT SHEET: How President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Get Every Georgian Connected to Broadband

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed last month with the help of Georgia Democrats, will deliver millions of dollars to Georgia to ensure that every family has access to reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in broadband infrastructure. The BIL’s transformative investment in broadband will uplift Georgians in every corner of the state and expand economic and educational opportunities in parts of Georgia that have been left behind — particularly in rural and low-income communities. Despite unanimous opposition from Georgia Republicans, the Biden-Harris administration has taken historic action to close the digital divide in the Peach State — all without raising taxes a single penny for middle-class families. 

“For far too long, rural and low-income communities across Georgia have been left behind the digital divide, but thanks to the work of President Biden and Georgia Democrats, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will ensure that every Georgian has access to reliable and affordable internet access,” Rhyan Lake, spokeswoman for the Democratic Party of Georgia, said. “It is absolutely inexcusable that every single Georgia Republican voted against a bipartisan effort to expand broadband access in the Peach State. While the GOP keeps fighting to make the rich richer and block upgrades to our infrastructure, the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats are delivering once-in-a-generation investments to Georgia’s economy.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver reliable, fast, and affordable internet for Georgians by: 

• Investing at least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state.
  • More than 507,000 Georgia homes and businesses still do not have access to high-speed internet, and 286,000 Georgians do not have access to a single internet provider at all.
  • Of the more than 507,000 homes and businesses lacking access to reliable broadband service at minimum acceptable speeds, nearly 70% are in rural parts of Georgia.
  • President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will bring $100 million to Georgia to improve and expand broadband infrastructure, putting high-speed internet within reach for Georgians in every corner of the state.

• Making internet service affordable and expanding access for low-income Georgians.
  • Even when broadband is technically available, it’s not always affordable: only 57% of Georgians have access to a low-cost broadband plan of $60 or less per month.
  • Around 927,000 Georgians only have access to one provider at their homes — meaning that if that provider’s costs are too high, there are no other options.
  • Under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 31% of Georgians will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access. 
  • President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will also ensure that each broadband provider that receives funding offers at least one affordable service plan.

• Ending digital redlining and bolstering digital equity.
  • Data show that low-income communities and communities of color are less likely to have access to a broadband connection at home, creating a harmful digital divide.
  • President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help close the digital divide by passing the Digital Equity Act, creating a permanent program to help more households access the internet and provide them with the skills, supports, and technologies necessary to take full advantage of a broadband internet connection when they have one.

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