Green lines indicate the path of the Capital Projects Fund routes. Yellow indicates Engineering is completed. Orange indicates active construction taking place in the area(s).

The Wheeler County Broadband Project, spearheaded by Glenwood Telephone Company, is a transformative initiative designed to bring high-speed fiber optic internet to Wheeler County, Georgia. Funded by the State of Georgia Capital Projects Fund (CPF), this project involves the implementation of a 10 Gigabit XGS-PON network, which is set to provide unprecedented internet speeds and reliability through a 100% buried network infrastructure.

Scheduled to commence construction in early 2024 and aiming for completion by December 2026, the project is poised to cover all 879 eligible locations within Wheeler County. This significant technological advancement is not just about providing high-speed internet access; it’s also about enhancing the overall quality of life, supporting local businesses, improving educational resources, and driving economic growth in this rural area.

The project represents a major step in bridging the digital divide in rural Georgia, ensuring that residents, businesses, and institutions in Wheeler County have access to state-of-the-art internet connectivity, opening up a realm of new opportunities and fostering community development.

The map shown above shows maps of 15 different service areas in Wheeler County. Within each area is a route map showing the different Capital Projects Fund Eligible Locations and fiber routes in each area. Should your location not be considered an eligible CPF location, GTC does have engineering done for your location and is hopeful to complete to all Wheeler County locations through either private funding or additional grant funding opportunities in the future. 

• Overview
  – Objective: To deploy a 10 Gigabit XGS-PON network across Wheeler County.
  – Funding: Plant and Engineering financed by the State of Georgia Capital Grants Fund with a project total cost of $5,723,460.00.  
  – Coverage: Targeting all 879 eligible locations, and 162 route miles in Wheeler County. 
  – Timeline: Construction began in March 2024 and expected to be completed by the deadline of December 2026.
• Technical Specifications
  – Technology Used: Initially GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) however we are in the process of upgrading all GTC systems to support 10 Gigabit-capable XGS-PON (10-Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network).
  – Infrastructure: 100% of the network will be buried, ensuring protection from environmental factors and greater reliability for the customer.
  – Capacity: The network is designed to deliver speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second, significantly higher than current broadband standards.
• Implementation Phases
  – Phase 1: Surveying and infrastructure planning, including determining the routes for fiber optic cables. – COMPLETED
  – Phase 2: Laying down the foundational infrastructure, such as conduits and fiber optic cables. – STARTED 3/11/2024 and is currently ongoing.
  – Phase 3: Setting up network equipment, testing, and initial service rollout in selected areas. – Gigabit service available in some areas already. 10 Gig Network – ESTIMATED START LATE 2024
  – Phase 4: Gradual expansion to cover all planned areas within the county, with regular updates and community engagement. ESTIMATED START 04/24
  – Phase 5: Final testing, optimization, and official launch of the service to all covered areas. ESTIMATED START MID/LATE 2025 
• Community Impact
  – Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity is expected to boost local businesses, attract new investment, and create job opportunities.
  – Educational Advancement: Students, schools and educational institutions will benefit from high-speed internet for digital learning and access to global educational resources.
  – Healthcare Improvements: Telemedicine and efficient access to online healthcare resources will be facilitated, improving healthcare delivery.
  – Quality of Life Enhancements: Residents will enjoy faster and more reliable internet for entertainment, communication, and access to services.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  – Local Government and Authorities: Collaboration with local officials for smooth implementation and adherence to regulations.
  – Community Involvement: Regular updates and feedback sessions with community members to ensure their needs are met.
  – Business Partnerships: Engaging with local businesses for tailored services and potential collaborations.
• Marketing and Awareness
  – Information Campaigns: Utilizing various channels to keep the community informed about progress and benefits.
  – Educational Workshops: Conducting workshops to educate residents and businesses on leveraging high-speed internet.
  – Promotional Offers: Attractive packages and offers to encourage early adoption and subscriptions.
• Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
  – Logistical Challenges: Navigating rural terrains and ensuring minimal disruption during installation.
  – Community Buy-In: Addressing skepticism or resistance through transparent communication and demonstrating tangible benefits.
  – Technical Support and Training: Providing robust customer support and training to maximize user experience and satisfaction.

This project is a significant step towards digital inclusivity and modernization for Wheeler County, offering a comprehensive solution to the digital divide in rural areas and laying the groundwork for sustainable community development.

• CPF 01/04/23 – Governor Kemp’s Office of Planning and Budget awards Glenwood Telephone Company $4,864,941.00 for Capital Project Funds Grant.
• 02/17/23 – Signed Capital Project Fund Terms and Conditions
• 04/10/23 – RFP For Engineer submitted to the Vidalia Advance. Deadline is April 28, 2023.
• 05/24/23 – Updates to the SLFRF Broadband and CPF Treasury Guidance
• 05/30/23 – GTC awards Palmetto Engineering the Engineering bid.
• 07/17/23 – Amended Term and Conditions Signed.
• 08/23/23 – Engineering Contract with Palmetto Engineering is signed.
• 01/02/24 – Scope Change from 608 Eligible Locations to 1127 Eligible Locations signed.
• 01/23/24 – Contractor RFP Published in the Vidalia Advance. Deadline is January 31, 2024.
• 02/07/24 – GTC chooses Jim Young Construction to build out the CPF Wheeler County Broadband Project.
• 02/20/24 – 811 Large Project Meeting held for first CPF route in Wheeler County.
• 03/11/24 – Construction Starts.
• 03/14/24 – Scope Change from 1127 Eligible Locations to 879 Locations signed.