#United States #Florida #Broadband #Conexon #Tri-County Electric

Conexon Connect Expands Broadband Access in Rural Florida

Conexon Connect is making significant strides in bridging the digital divide across rural Florida. This expansion is particularly notable in the Big Bend region, where the internet service provider has successfully brought multi-gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) access to about 14,000 homes and businesses, transforming the landscape of connectivity for local residents.

In collaboration with the Madison-based Tri-County Electric Cooperative (TCEC), Conexon Connect has completed a remarkable initiative intended to serve the under-connected areas of rural Florida. This project, which started gaining momentum in spring 2022, now stands as a landmark achievement in the state's history—it marks TCEC as the first electric cooperative in Florida to deploy an FTTH network for its members.

Previously, many residents in these areas faced limitations with their internet access, finding themselves cut off from the opportunities that reliable digital connectivity can provide. However, the completion of this extensive network underscores a commitment to comprehensive coverage, ensuring that no member of the community is left behind. The initiative has come at an essential time, particularly following the damage inflicted by Hurricanes Debby and Helene in late 2024, which posed significant challenges to local infrastructure. Despite this adversity, the network consists of 2,044 miles of fiber, wrapping up in December and restoring connectivity to vital services and communications for many families.

With the TCEC network now covering 100% of its five-county area, the cooperative offers not only high-speed internet but also dependable phone service and intelligent grid capabilities that enhance the electrical framework for the region. Julius Hackett, CEO of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, expressed profound optimism about the impact this initiative has realized. He remarked, “This project has been about so much more than just delivering high-speed internet — it's been about connecting our community to opportunities and a brighter future.” Hackett went on to highlight stories of families gaining access to online education and small businesses expanding their reach due to improved connectivity, emphasizing the real-life benefits that follow such developments.

This achievement follows another recent project, involving Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC), which recently completed its own Connect network. With multiple states now benefiting from their services, Conexon Connect is establishing itself as one of the premier internet providers focused on rural America. Randy Klindt, co-CEO and founding partner of Conexon, stated that their success reflects the power of collaboration toward gaining crucial access for underserved populations, reinforcing the company's mission.

The broadband rollout led by Conexon has been made possible through a combination of efforts at local, state, and federal levels, with over $2 billion in grants obtained to support FTTH initiatives. Conexon's reach spans across more than 20 projects to date, serving communities in seven states, aiming to connect nearly 500,000 homes and businesses once fully operational.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so does the demand for reliable internet access—a necessity that is becoming increasingly vital in today's world. As local residents embrace this new reality, their quality of life is anticipated to improve significantly, fueled by the connections established through Conexon Connect's initiatives.

Through collaboration with electric cooperatives, Conexon is demonstrating how much a committed effort can change the narrative for rural broadband accessibility. Their work is not just about bringing internet to homes; it’s about providing continual access, resources, and opportunities that have the potential to uplift entire communities. As Conexon Connect continues to expand, the hope is that all rural Americans will soon enjoy streamlined, high-speed internet connectivity, enabling them to fully participate in the modern digital age.