The North Georgia Network

Q & A About NGN

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• What is The North Georgia Network?

  The North Georgia Network (NGN) is a member-owned, non-profit cooperative created by the partnership of Economic Development Authorities in the region, the State of Georgia, North Georgia College and State University, Habersham EMC and Blue Ridge Mountain EMC.

   

• What will it do?

  This project will improve broadband service in underserved areas and stimulate economic growth and job creation in eight counties in the North Georgia area.

   

• Where's the money coming from?

  In December 2009, NGN was awarded, through federal, state and local grants, a total of $42 million to deploy a 260-mile high-speed fiber-optic ring.

   

• What is Habersham EMC's Involvement?

  Habersham and Blue Ridge Mountain EMCs are leading the project construction with the combined experience of providing electrical service to 82,000 members in 11 counties. The two have already constructed locally-based fiber infrastructure to 4,300 residential, commercial and anchor institution customers and plan to further utilize the network to support smart-grid improvements on the electric power systems.

   

• What's so great about it?

  This high-speed fiber-optic system will tie into existing networks from Atlanta to North Carolina and provide the infrastructure to support greater competition for many new wired and wireless communications, entertainment and media services. It will greatly exceed the capability of copper, cable, or wireless technologies.

  Thousands of households, businesses, and community institutions, including schools, universities, hospitals and government facilities, will benefit from the network.

  The network will also help make North Georgia more attractive for economic development and job creation as it eliminates geographical barriers.

   

• How will it benefit me?

  You'll have a faster broadband connection. You'll also have an opportunity to save money as independent providers of telephone, cable and satellite compete for your business. The network will allow for competition in a market previously limited by geography.

   

• How much will it cost me to connect?

  The monthly Internet service fee is competitively priced. The independent providers of the services mentioned above will set their own prices.

   

• Can I eliminate my landline?

  Some customers may be able to eliminate traditional phone service.

   

• When will construction begin?

  Construction began March 2011.