For Immediate Release
Library Executive Director:
Tom Sloan
912-652-3601
sloant@liveoakpl.org

Comcast Vice President, Public Relations
Alex Horwitz
770-559-2803
alex_horwitz@comcast.com
Savannah, GA, January 30, 2019 - Live Oak Public Libraries and Comcast Business, along with project partners, launch high-speed internet services for all library locations in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties.
Live Oak Public Libraries announces the completion of an advanced fiber-optic network in partnership with Comcast Business. The network connects 16 library locations across Chatham, Effingham and Liberty Counties. The internet access is free and open to the public.

The partnership provides Live Oak Public Libraries with a dedicated fiber network that transports data across all locations with a flexible, scalable solution. The service also prepares the libraries for future growth as Comcast’s fiber network can deliver up to 100 gigabits per second.

“Our partnership with Comcast Business increases community connectivity and gives library patrons greater access to technology and online resources,” said Tom Sloan, Library Executive Director. “This means improved online performance with guaranteed bandwidth that is faster, more reliable and more secure.”

“Today’s news marks Comcast’s latest investment in Savannah, as we continue bringing some of the nation’s most advanced technology to support the region’s robust growth,” said Doug Guthrie, Comcast Regional SVP. “We are proud to deliver a solution that can help Live Oak Public Libraries meet the needs of its employees and customers throughout multiple facilities.”

Live Oak Public Libraries has more than 460 public computers and hosts more than 450,000 computer/online sessions each year, in addition to conducting ongoing computer classes and e-resource assistance.

The cost of this project is more than 90% subsidized through substantial financial support from the federal E-Rate Program and the Georgia Public Library Service.

Live Oak Public Libraries offers free community resources to all, with or without a library card. In 2018, the library system provided services valued at more than $34 million across Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties. Libraries hosted more than 1.2 million patron visits and were open to the public 37,000 hours.

Comcast Business serves schools, businesses, hospitals, and other organizations that require large amounts of bandwidth, are looking to link multiple locations, or that plan to connect their offices to a third-party data center.
Live Oak Public Libraries
Live Oak Public Libraries is a system of 16 libraries and one bookmobile providing programs and services in Chatham, Effingham, & Liberty Counties. Our mission is to provide excellent, responsive service to enrich people’s lives, support lifelong learning and build and enhance our communities.

About Comcast Business
Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social.