Last week, Comcast announced plans to expand its Xfinity 10G Network and bring high-speed Internet services to 25 rural areas in Florida, many of them for the first time, through the state’s Broadband Opportunity Program. These expansions are also a part of Comcast’s commitment to bridge the digital divide by bringing broadband Internet service to new and underserved areas.
Comcast was awarded grants worth nearly $50 million to bring Internet service to almost 40,000 additional customers through the Florida Broadband Opportunity Program. This competitive reimbursement grant program was created to expand broadband Internet service to unserved areas of the state which will encourage job creation, capital investment, and the strengthening and diversification of local economies.
“Comcast is committed to helping bridge the digital divide. We know that Internet service is a necessity in today’s increasingly digital world,” said Rafael Visbal, Vice President of Market Development for Comcast in Florida. “We have invested millions in the past year alone to expand our network to new communities across the state. Grant funding through the State’s Broadband Opportunity Program will allow us to push further and ensure more Floridians are connected to the vast resources of the Internet.”
Comcast’s grants will fund its expansions in 25 areas spanning 22 counties throughout Florida.
Bay County – Cities of Fountain, Southport, and Youngtown
Bradford County – Cities of Hampton, Lawty, and Starke
Charlotte County – City of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte
Clay County – City of Keystone Heights, Clay Hill, Middleburg, McRae, and Virginia Village
Columbia County
DeSoto County – Town of Nocatee and unincorporated Brownsville
Glades County – City of Moore Haven, Lakeport, and Ortona
Hamilton County – City of Jasper and Town of Jennings
Hendry County – City of LaBelle and Montura
Highlands County – Cities of Sebring and Avon Park
Indian River County – Unincorporated Indian River County
Jackson County – Towns of Alford, Cottondale, Grand Ridge, and Greenwood and Two Egg
Lake County – City of Mascotte; Town of Astatula; and unincorporated Astor and Astor Park
Lee County – Lehigh Acres
Leon County – Chaires
Marion County – Unincorporated Marion Oaks, Ocklawaha, and Silver Springs; and unincorporated Rainbow Lake Estates
Martin County – Indiantown
Miami-Dade County – City of Homestead, Redlands and unincorporated Florida City
Okeechobee County – Unincorporated Okeechobee County
Putnam County – Cities of Botswick and Keystone Heights, Towns of Pomona Park, Interlocken, Melrose, and Welaka, Putnam Hall, George’s Lake, and unincorporated Crescent City
St. Johns County – City of Riverdale, Flagler Estates, and Spuds
St. Lucie County – City of Fort Pierce
“Expanding our network to make Internet services available in new areas is just the first step in bridging the digital divide for these rural communities,” said Michelle Oyola McGovern, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Comcast Florida Region. “We still have a lot of work to do, but it is all part of our commitment to digital equity and inclusion. Now it is critical that we work together with our community partners and local government leaders to educate everyone in these areas how to use the Internet effectively and safely, and how to make sure they are utilizing programs they may be eligible for, including Internet Essentials or the Affordable Connectivity Program.”
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