The City of Dublin joins several communities across Georgia that are Broadband Ready. Cities and counties with this certification have completed the online application and demonstrated compliance with the adoption of both a Comprehensive Plan, inclusive of the promotion of deployment broadband services, and the Broadband Model Ordinance.

Lance Jones, Dublin’s city manager, said his community faces similar challenges as other small towns across Georgia. From a lack of providers to service issues, he said it will take a local effort to fill the void.

Therefore, the Broadband Ready Certification was the start to long-term solutions. He said the process, which he described as straightforward and streamlined, was a joint effort between many city departments

“We want to be sure we are doing everything we can to bring more dependable, faster, customer-oriented broadband services to our community and to let service providers know we are ready to work with them to do so,” Jones said. “We want to work with all government agencies involved to make sure we are doing what is necessary to make this happen.”

Like all of Georgia, COVID-19 has presented additional challenges to communities already hindered by poor broadband access. In Dublin, Jones said the pandemic has increased the need for dependable service due to people working from home. In efforts to solve remote learning challenges, he said, “We are currently working with our school system to ensure students have access, as they are totally virtual for at least the first quarter of the year.”

Regardless, Jones is looking toward the future. The ways broadband will enhance the quality of life in Dublin is innumerable, and this local leader said access to the best service available is an expectation of business owners and residents for perpetual community sustainability.

“It is essential for furthering community and economic development,” he said. “Growth happens as a result of us being proactive and planning. The designation shows our commitment to meeting the needs of both citizens and businesses.”

Jones also encourages other cities and counties to apply for the Broadband Ready Certification “to be sure they are on the forefront of ensuring all of Georgia meets the needs of our people.”