Rural electric consumers will soon see a faster, more efficient Internet service in their homes and businesses if they are members of the Altamaha EMC in Lyons.

Tammye Vaughn, Marketing & Communications Manager of Altamaha EMC said a major announcement has been made that is good news for their customers.

“We’ve announced an investment into providing broadband access that will provide reliable Internet service,” she said. What that means is students who are learning from home as well as workers who utilize Internet access to work from home because of the pandemic will have faster and better Internet service.

The broadband project was boosted by a $29 million grant.

“We can’t use our electric funds to mix with our broadband service,” Vaughn explained.

Faster Internet service not only means better accessibility to students and workers but will also allow residents to stream their television service and provide for consumers to utilize telemedicine where in they can connect with their healthcare providers without having to leave their homes and visit their doctor’s office.

The broadband project is expected to be completed within 3-5 years, and Vaughn said the first customers should be hooked up by the end of this calendar year.