Rural GA Reach
This is a group project to help raise awareness about the need for improved communications during disasters. The concept is to pilot a program providing funding for the purchase of mobile satellite units to University of Georgia’s Extension. The units would be sent to areas that are typically impacted by disasters or historically are areas with underserved internet bandwidth. They can be used for not only aiding communications during a disaster incident but during ‘blue sky’ days, can be used for training by extension agents or possible telehealth.
“The satellite-based connectivity can be used in times of natural disasters to help cover hard to reach areas and allow rapid response and coordination between local, state, and private agencies that are working to help in times of need. We envision this could aid in telehealth for local communities that lack proper bandwidth. We also see this being a resource for our extension offices to help with research and development in areas where resources are limited.“