Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Walker County
Walker County recognizes the critical importance of connectivity for residents and businesses. Through its Connectivity Plan, developed in partnership with the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, the county aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding reliable broadband infrastructure, improving affordability, and enhancing digital literacy. These efforts will help foster economic growth, strengthen educational opportunities, and enhance access to healthcare and essential services, ensuring a more connected and resilient community.
The Walker County Connectivity Plan outlines a strategic approach to addressing broadband challenges by prioritizing the deployment of fiber-optic infrastructure to unserved and underserved areas. The plan emphasizes collaboration with internet service providers and community stakeholders to expand access, improve affordability, and support digital literacy initiatives. By aligning with state and federal funding opportunities, the plan seeks to enhance access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
We now know which Internet Service Providers are operating in the county, how they deliver service, what they charge, and which areas are unserved or underserved. The county can use this data to develop partnerships with ISPs and community organizations to target gaps in access, digital skills, and device access through unprecedented funding sources.
Walker County population still without internet access.
Over 40% of households in Walker County with incomes less than $20,000 have no internet subscription.
Walker County residents that rely on a wireless solution (cell or satellite) to access the internet.
While eleven ISPs have some footprint in the county, there are still access and adoption gaps that must be tackled.
Walker County Press Release
Learn how Walker’s Community Connectivity Plan fits into its efforts to expand broadband and increase internet adoption across the county.
What’s next
Walker County is now using its Community Connectivity Plan to prepare for ‘Broadband Ready Community’ status in Georgia, while working in parallel to secure funding and ISP partners to deliver on its broadband ambitions. The county is also embarking on an initiative to implement public wi-fi at county facilities, with the Civic Center, main courthouse, and various community centers already offering access points.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
