By Jim Woodard, Broadband Manager, Alachua County; and Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager – Chief of Staff, Alachua County
More than a decade ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) developed a roadmap for broadband initiatives known as the National Broadband Plan (https://www.fcc.gov/general/national-broadband-plan). During COVID, it became increasingly apparent that internet is just as crucial of a utility as electricity and water. According to Pew Research Center, 53% of Americans said the internet was essential during the COVID-19 outbreak and that Americans with lower incomes are particularly likely to have concerns related to the digital divide (https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/). From remote work, to telehealth, to online learning, the ability to access fast, reliable internet today is a must.
Alachua County received $15 million to provide broadband to unserved and underserved areas funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Thus far, the County has hired two full time staff to research potential partnerships with existing providers as well as research if Alachua County should become an Internet Service Provider (ISP) once the system is built.
The County has also contracted with JSI, an engineering and consulting firm, for a feasibility study to identify unserved and underserved residents within the County. The study will provide locations, current internet speeds, and existing costs of service for our residents most in need. Additionally, they will provide estimates to build the system and recommendations for additional funding sources. The study is expected to take approximately two months to complete.
Once JSI completes their work and we receive approval from the Board of County Commissioners to proceed, we can then begin the permitting process to connect fiber to existing utility poles. We are working to pre-order materials so the work can immediately begin as some fiber materials are on back order for a year or longer due to nation-wide material and labor shortages, and high demand from communities embarking on similar projects.
Similarly, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is encouraging everyone statewide to participate in an internet speed test. Taking the test will help users know their internet speeds and assist local and state governments to identify and reach unserved and underserved areas of the state. DEO has developed Florida’s Broadband Availability Map which identifies a location’s speed, connectivity, and access to broadband services; it is continually updated as more people take the test and is an asset to assist with broadband planning efforts. To take the Speed Test, please click: https://expressoptimizer1.net/public/index.php?banner=null&entity=Florida&testtype=NDT&recordcounter=5263
As American decision and artificial intelligence (AI) theorist and writer Eliezer Yudkowsky said, “I don’t care where I live, so long as there’s a roof to keep the rain off my books, and high-speed Internet access.” I agree that reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for every American, regardless of where they live.
