By: Joseph Maguire
Exciting news for Alva and Lehigh Acres! In 2023 and 2024, Lee County received several significant Broadband grant awards. These awards, part of the Broadband Opportunity Grant Program, will play a crucial role in bringing high-speed broadband options to our community.
In 2023, the State of Florida awarded over two million dollars to add 68.31 miles of fiber optic cable to provide 1,196 unserved locations within Lee County with symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1GB.
The areas targeted for the grant are Olga, Alva, and Lehigh Acres. Comcast, in collaboration with local community leaders and organizations, is actively working through its project cycle (permitting, construction) to deploy services in these areas.
Why is broadband critical?
Broadband, with its transformative power, offers opportunities to participate in online education and distance learning. From elementary-age students learning about earth sciences to working adults taking courses towards a new certification, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, the impacts, outcomes, and possibilities are enormous.
However, the benefits of broadband access extend beyond education. They also have a profound impact on healthcare and social services. From receiving care virtually through a Telehealth encounter to participating in communities of care, broadband opens up a world of opportunities.
For more information, visit: www.leegov.com/broadband
www.floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/broadband/broadband-opportunity-program
