32 S G M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 9 B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 33 “We invested in Valdosta because we saw growth in this area,” says Randy Brogle, Hargray Fiber vice president and general manager. “Working closely with business owners in the city and county has allowed us to build a strong fiber network where we can expand our services.” With steady growth in the Valdosta market, Hargray Fiber recently announced the expansion of its fiber- optic network in nearby Hahira and Adel. “When we started in Valdosta, we envisioned this area as a central hub,” Brogle says. “As Hargray continues to have success, we will reinvest back in small communities in this area to provide our 100 percent fiber network.” Focused primarily on serving business customers, Brogle says Hargray Fiber is supporting some residential areas. “In the Valdosta area, we had to make a strategic NAVIGATING CHANGE decision to focus on businesses, but residential is an important part of Hargray’s offering in our other communities.” Brogle says whether you’re a business owner in a small community or urban area, there is a need for faster internet speeds to stay competitive. For example, last year, Hargray Fiber was able to provide students at Valdosta State University with faster internet speed and Wi-Fi connections through a 5G internet circuit. “We estimate that each student has an average of seven devices,” says Todd Tillman, business development manager with Hargray Fiber in Valdosta. “They were gobbling it all up.” The faster internet speed and reliable connectivity is critical to student learning outcomes and provides a more positive campus experience. Tillman says that having faster internet speed and access is not only vital for improved quality of life but also fostering a healthy and productive business community. “For businesses, the expanded bandwidth allows for more profitability and stronger overall economic development through the recruitment of more businesses and industries. It is also putting these communities on a more level playing field to compete with businesses in larger cities.” Todd Tillman, business development manager for Hargray Fiber in Valdosta