Rural homes, businesses to bid for internet service

More than 700 rural homes and businesses in Santa Rosa County may soon receive high-speed Internet service, according to the Federal Communications Commission. [Pixabay.com]

MILTON — Approximately 13,000 homes and businesses in rural areas of Florida are currently without high-speed internet service, but that could soon change, according to the Federal Communications Commission. 

These homes, including 771 in Santa Rosa County, are eligible for financial support from the next phase of the FCC’s Connect America Fund which helps offset the cost of extending broadband service into rural areas. The funds will be distributed through a “reverse auction” which will begin July 24.

“Connecting the unconnected in rural America is my top priority,” FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said in a press release. “I’m excited that our CAF auction will provide opportunities for innovative companies and cooperatives to bridge the digital divide for the Florida consumers and small businesses that lack high-speed access today.” 

Over the next 10 years, broadband providers across the country will compete for up to $2 billion in support to expand access to broadband to nearly 1 million homes and locations in unserved rural areas. The auction will provide opportunities for new entrants to the marketplace, regardless of technology, including phone companies, fixed wireless service providers, satellite providers, cable companies and electric utility broadband providers, according to the press release. 

“Those extra 700-plus homes that are receiving broadband will be able to be more connected/involved in the community and have the ability to be more engaged in civic activities,” Santa Rosa County Office of Economic Development Director Shannon Ogletree said. “I would also estimate that a number of those households have school-age kids that can now use the internet to assist in homework and research projects.” 

Escambia County has 182 eligible homes, Okaloosa, 81 and Walton County has 419. The application period for providers seeking to participate in the auction runs from March 19-30.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Rural homes, businesses to bid for internet service