DeSantis announces $247 million to expand broadband access
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the allocation of over $247 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Program to connect thousands of unserved and underserved businesses, homes, farms, hospitals, and libraries in Florida to high-speed internet.
The infrastructure deployment, including 63 strategic projects across 43 counties, aims to provide reliable and efficient access to workforce, education, and health monitoring opportunities for generations to come.
The awarded funds supplement the existing $226 million in Broadband Opportunity Grant funding that has already been given to 53 counties, connecting over 250,000 homes and businesses.
More funding opportunities are anticipated in the future through new and ongoing programs.
DeSantis emphasized the importance of high-speed broadband internet as essential infrastructure for Florida communities.
“High-speed broadband Internet is important infrastructure for Florida communities and will generate economic development activity and a talented labor force,” DeSantis said. “Florida is proud to make investments in broadband Internet infrastructure that will benefit all Floridians and make long-term impacts in communities across the state.”
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary J. Alex Kelly praised DeSantis’ “leadership” in expanding broadband internet access.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida is expanding broadband Internet to small and rural areas of the state that will now have new accsess to critical resources,” Kelly said. “Broadband Internet infrastructure will change the landscape and quality of life for Florida families and businesses, connecting them to workforce training, jobs, educational resources and telehealth services.”
In an effort to gather insights from Floridians regarding barriers to accessing broadband internet service in their communities, the Florida Department of Commerce is hosting a series of public workshops.
These workshops will inform the state’s plan to secure funding for broadband expansion, online device deployment, and digital skills training.
Some of the areas receiving funds include Newberry and Archer, which will receive $3.4 million to provide symmetrical download and upload speeds of one gigabyte per second to 255 unserved locations in Alachua and Levy counties.
Similarly, the Town of Jay and other areas in Santa Rosa County will receive $24.7 million to add 248 miles of fiber optic cable, benefitting 2,343 unserved locations.
