Residents in Roberta, Georgia, visiting David Bailey Park will be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi thanks to Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) Cooperative Extension Program.
The new Wi-Fi hotspot is made possible by the Fort Valley State University-Communiversity: Piloting an Ecosystem for Digital Equity Grant. This is funded by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). FVSU is partnering with Public Service Telephone Company to provide the service.
The purpose of the grant is to provide broadband access and accessibility to communities within 15 miles of FVSU.
Courtney Howard, project director for FVSU’s NTIA grant, said the free Wi-Fi in the park will allow Crawford County residents to access the internet. It will also provide the city with a key resource during events such as Peaches to Beaches and Crawford County’s Fall Festival.
“Peaches to Beaches is a huge event that involves vendors along Highway 341. It allows vendors in the Roberta area a chance to set up, connect to Wi-Fi and conduct touchless payments. At the Fall Festival, events such as concerts are held and attendees can use the Wi-Fi as well,” Howard said.
Furthermore, Howard said that students in Crawford County who do not have Wi-Fi at home can use the service available at the park.
Sharon Sanders, county manager for the Crawford County Board of Commissioners, said the Wi-Fi service is very beneficial for residents.
“So many people and families cannot afford Wi-Fi services through their phone or an internet provider. This is a way that kids can come in, log on, do homework and complete the things they need to do,” said the Crawford County official.
Dr. Mark Latimore Jr., associate dean for Extension at FVSU, said FVSU is very proud and excited to partner with the Public Service Telephone Company to provide service to Roberta residents.
Additionally, Howard, who grew up in Crawford County, is proud that she helped residents gain free internet access. She said the project is very near to her heart.
“I feel like I’ve made a small footprint in the county I grew up in to help it achieve access to technology. It means the world to me,” she said.
In addition to providing technology resources to Crawford County residents, Howard said the NTIA grant also provides technical education and awareness to the area with classes and workshops.
For more information about upcoming NTIA projects, contact Howard at (478) 391-5790 (courtney.howard@fvsu.edu) or Terrence Wolfork, assistant administrator of communications, conferencing and technology at (478) 825-6053 (wolforkt@fvsu.edu).