Florida Broadband Grants Expand Fiber Access in Polk County

Florida has awarded $60 million to 22 broadband projects statewide through the Broadband Opportunity Program, including a $1.8 million grant to expand fiber access in Polk County. The state of Florida has allocated these grants to support the expansion of broadband access in underserved communities.

Governor Ron DeSantis' office announced the $60 million for 22 projects across the state as part of the Broadband Opportunity Program, which the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity administers. The program funds the installation and deployment of broadband internet infrastructure in underserved communities throughout Florida, as stated in a press release by Governor DeSantis' office.

One of the grants, amounting to $1.8 million, has been designated for various cities within Polk County, including Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, Polk City, as well as the unincorporated community of Indian Lakes Estates, and certain areas of unincorporated Polk County. The objective of this project is to extend the reach of broadband connectivity by adding 204 miles of fiber optic cable. According to the press release, this expansion will provide symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1 GB to 2,440 previously unserved locations.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding did Florida award through the Broadband Opportunity Program?

Florida awarded $60 million across 22 broadband projects statewide, with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity administering the program to fund infrastructure in underserved communities.

What does the Polk County broadband grant cover?

The $1.8 million grant funds 204 miles of new fiber optic cable, delivering symmetrical 1 GB download and upload speeds to 2,440 previously unserved locations across cities such as Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland, and Polk City.