TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Comcast introduced it has expanded its web community to greater than 32,000 properties and companies throughout 16 Florida counties, marking a serious step within the firm’s public-private effort to shut the state’s digital divide.
The enlargement, funded by the state of Florida’s Broadband Alternative Program and Capital Tasks Fund, brings gigabit-plus web and different providers to rural areas, together with greater than 11,000 properties in Lehigh Acres.
“Increasing entry to high-speed Web in rural Florida isn’t nearly expertise, it’s about creating alternative,” Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Florida Area Jeff Buzzelli mentioned. “From college students to small companies to total communities, this funding helps shrink the digital divide and unlocks the instruments individuals have to thrive. We’re proud to companion with the state of Florida to make this a actuality.”
Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell praised the funding.
“We’re thrilled to see Comcast acknowledge the potential right here and take actual steps to assist our residents and companies thrive,” Greenwell mentioned.
Rep. Tiffany Esposito additionally highlighted the undertaking’s significance for her area.
“Increasing broadband entry is important to the long-term success of our area’s economic system and workforce,” Esposito mentioned. “Dependable, high-speed Web empowers households, helps college students, and fuels innovation for native companies. I’m proud to help efforts that carry this important infrastructure to communities like Lehigh Acres.”
Sen. Kathleen Passidomo echoed the sentiment.
“Excessive-speed web is important not only for a greater high quality of life, however to strengthen American competitiveness. By bringing broadband to extra communities throughout Florida, Comcast is opening doorways and paving the best way for schooling, financial development and prosperity.”
The finished tasks span Bradford, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Highlands, Jackson, Lee, Leon, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, St. Johns and St. Lucie counties.
Comcast and the state of Florida have dedicated $322 million to develop web entry to a complete of 64,000 properties and companies in rural Florida by the top of 2026.
The corporate plans to proceed its work in 13 further counties, together with Bay, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Indian River, Lake, Nassau, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Union and Wakulla.
