As part of AT&T’s continuing efforts to drive economic development and investment in Georgia, AT&T and the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia, today announced that Muscogee Technology Park has been certified as being AT&T Fiber Ready.

“AT&T is investing in high-speed Internet in urban and rural areas all across Georgia using the latest wired and wireless technologies, and we are proud to highlight Columbus as one of many places in Georgia where AT&T’s fiber infrastructure is in place and ready to help local businesses drive job creation,” said Terry Smith, AT&T Regional Director – External Affairs. “Positive, pro-business policies embraced by Georgia’s state and local elected officials continue to make our state a great place to invest, and I’m proud of the work our AT&T Georgia employees have done deploying fiber and other infrastructure that delivers high-speed Internet access.  Their hard work and skills, combined with millions of dollars in AT&T investment, enable Georgians to connect and innovate.”

In today’s world, connectivity is vital to new employers and businesses of every type. There’s no such thing as a “low-tech” business today, so economic development leaders must be able to tout the presence of high-speed internet connectivity.

“Columbus is not only open for business, we’re open for innovation,” said State Representative Richard Smith. “The AT&T Fiber Ready designation demonstrates that we have the world-class communications infrastructure necessary to recruit and retain businesses and jobs from all over the globe and truly positions us to be able to compete in a 21stcentury marketplace.”

“Our resources in Columbus are extensive, but if potential investors aren’t aware of the technology infrastructure in place here, we face the potential of losing many opportunities. This certification helps to eliminate those missed opportunities,” said Billy Blanchard, Chairman, Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia.

With the designation of being AT&T Fiber Ready, economic development leaders can more effectively position their communities for site selection by emphasizing the availability of high-speed, fiber-based services.