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Glynn County: fiber backbone largely in place on St. Simons Island; phase two nearing completion
Summary
Glynn County CIO David West said May 2026 that phase one of the county's fiber project is complete and phase two—connecting county buildings on St. Simons Island—is roughly 80% finished; staff warned early cost estimates are now outdated and noted recent investments to harden 911 connectivity.
David West, Glynn County’s chief information officer, told commissioners during the May 2026 quarterly execution review that the county’s fiber work is progressing and is intended to modernize administrative and public safety communications.
"Phase one was completed ... and that is actually supporting all administrative communications to St. Simon's Island," West said. He added that phase two, which connects county buildings on St. Simons Island, is about 80% done, with two locations remaining—"the casino and Fire Station 7"—and that staff expect to finish key elements later this year.
West highlighted recent resiliency improvements: the county implemented a secondary fiber backbone between the pay building and public safety to prevent loss of 911 connectivity during outages. He also warned that inflation and market changes have increased expected costs: during Q&A he said earlier per‑mile or short‑run estimates are no longer realistic and that certain under‑river bores would be much more expensive than previously budgeted.
Commissioners asked whether the program will meet operational needs; West replied it will support county communications for decades: "This backbone will service us for 20 to 30 years."
