NORWAY, S.C. — Residents of Norway in Orangeburg County are celebrating newly unveiled plans to bring high-speed internet access to their area for the first time. Many residents said this development is long overdue.
"It definitely has never really been available out here," said John Cuttino, a lifelong resident of Norway.
He also owns Three Saucers Mercantile & Bistro.
With slow internet connections and intermittent service, businesses like his have faced obstacles.
"It's just a testament to the age that we're in," he said. "Everything is moving so digital, and not being able to access that digital realm can certainly harm a population."
Spectrum announced plans to bring a broadband network to 530 homes and small businesses in Norway during a recent event.
"The current service we have gets us by, but I would not 100% call it reliable," Cuttino said.
Cedric Kitt, senior director of broadband infrastructure at the Office of Regulatory Staff, highlighted the importance of addressing the digital divide, particularly underscored by the pandemic.
"It became very evident that the whole entire state could use access to broadband, but you have to build infrastructure to it," Kitt said.
Norway Mayor Lynn Garrick emphasized the significant implications of this development for their rural town.
"All of us will be able to have telemedicine if we need it," Garrick said. "The children in school and the school work will be a lot smoother process for them."
"It's just a really big deal for the town in that it will connect us to hopefully bigger and better things, and hopefully businesses will come in now that we have it," Garrick added.
The goal is to have the project completed by Christmas of 2024.
