NGN Provides Internet Connections to Northeast Georgia Library System

NGN, a member-owned cooperative operating over 1,600 miles of fiber optic infrastructure in North Georgia, announced that its fiber network is providing 100 Mb symmetrical Internet connections to seven libraries within the Northeast Georgia Regional Library system.

The network is now live in Northeast Georgia Regional Library locations in Clarkesville, Cleveland, Cornelia, Rabun, Stephens and the system’s central library office. NGN is in the process of connecting the Helen library campus, which will be upgrading from a 6 Mb DSL connection to the ultra-fast 100 Mb symmetrical connection and will experience the largest speed increase within the regional library system. Library members at all seven locations will instantly notice the difference in connection speeds, which will empower users to stream videos and take part in virtual learning opportunities.

“Northeast Georgia Regional Library System is pleased to be doing business with a local company, NGN, which is servicing libraries throughout our region with broadband Internet connections. Northeast Georgia Regional Libraries are providing library patrons in Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and White counties access to free, high-speed internet connections via public access computer stations or patrons’ personal devices with high-speed Wi-Fi connections,” states Delana L. Knight, Director of Northeast Georgia Regional Library System. “Offering free access to this important resource is another way that our local public libraries are empowering our communities by providing support for job seekers, students, as well as almost limitless educational and entertainment opportunities for all citizens.”

Along with broadband Internet services, NGN Connect is also providing the libraries with a package of services including hosted Wi-Fi service and a VoIP telephone system at each location. The initiative is an extension of NGN’s commitment to powering the Education Exchange, the region’s Georgia’s only regional 10-gigabit private cloud for exclusive use by school systems that launched last September.

“I’ve often heard libraries build communities, it’s very fitting that we are here today celebrating the new 100 Mbps connection to the Northeast Georgia Regional Library System provided by NGN Connect. This is what we’re about, NGN’s foundation was built upon the communities in which we serve,” states Donna Unger, director of member services for NGN. “It’s becoming more critical for libraries, government, education and businesses alike to have reliable and affordable bandwidth to meet the daily demands of the ever-changing dynamics of today’s digital world.”

To learn more about NGN, visit www.ngn.coop.