Pike County Broadband Access

Pike County sought to improve community connectivity through its participation in the 2021 Georgia Smart Communities Challenge.

“We want to serve the citizens of the community by ensuring options for broadband access in all areas of the county, so that no communities are left behind in the digital divide.” – Brandon Rogers, Pike County Manager

Pike County focused on expanding reliable and affordable broadband access across all areas of the county, particularly in underserved and unserved regions. The initiative emphasized identifying connectivity solutions capable of reaching rural communities at a cost that remained feasible for both residents and local government.

Recognizing that infrastructure investment decisions are often shaped by the balance between cost and functionality, Georgia Tech researchers Ada Gavrilovska and Ellen Zegura partnered with Pike County administrators to evaluate technologies capable of improving countywide connectivity. Their research explored multiple broadband delivery models and infrastructure strategies to identify solutions that were both reliable and cost-effective for consumers.

The project also examined how improved connectivity infrastructure could support agricultural technology applications throughout the county, including enabling sensor deployment and digital monitoring systems for nurseries and agricultural operations located in more remote areas.