ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Some Albany residents say they are paying too much for internet that drops frequently and can’t support work-from-home or streaming.

WIRE3, a privately funded fiber internet company, has begun construction on a network expected to reach about 37,000 homes and businesses in Dougherty and Lee counties. The company says it is investing $37 million in the project, with service potentially available in some areas as early as fall 2026.

“This is an underserved market,” Jai Ramachandran, WIRE3’s CEO said. “Residents and businesses deserve better options and better connectivity than what has been available to them.”

Resident frustration with current options

In recent comments to WALB, several Albany-area residents described struggling with limited internet choices and inconsistent service. One resident called their current internet “high and horrible.” Another said they didn’t know “who to trust for a good internet service.”

Residents cited the need for stable speeds to support online coursework, streaming and remote work — services often unavailable depending on location.

“Having modern internet infrastructure today in 2026 is a need to have for almost every resident,” Ramachandran said, “both from an education perspective for children and for people who are working remotely or in jobs where they need to be available 100% of the time.”

Construction timeline

Construction began in a neighborhood west of Albany State University near Gillionville Road. From there, crews will expand north toward the Liberty Expressway and build outward. The first phase is expected to take 12 to 18 months, according to Ramachandran.

Before construction begins in each area, WIRE3 will send mailers and door hangers to affected residents. Ramachandran said the company is aware that utility construction can disrupt residents’ properties.

“We want to leave the community just the same as when we came there,” he said.

WIRE3’s network will also be fiber-optic “from end to end.”

“Everything is brand new and up to the latest technological specifications,” he added.

Private investment, no taxpayer cost

Ramachandran said WIRE3 is backed entirely by private investors, not using government funding, and that residents will only pay if they choose to become customers.

The company also plans to hire locally for construction and field services and to sponsor community events.

The company’s entry-level plan will start at $30 per month, with its top-tier plan offering speeds up to 10 gigabits per second for under $100 monthly.

For Albany residents, they say what matters most is whether a new option actually delivers consistent speeds, fewer outages and affordable pricing.

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