By Drew Dixon
Spectrum Internet says its Beyond the Build rural fiber-optic internet construction initiative is adding more than 10,000 homes and small businesses in Polk County.
The expansion will bring additional mobile, television and voice services, and comes with a contribution to a local nonprofit.
The project is part of a multiyear, $7 billion Spectrum investment to expand rural internet service nationwide. The company aims to build 100,000 miles of new infrastructure that will eventually connect more than 1.7 million new locations across the country.
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Florida and across America,” said John Dosher, Area Vice President of Field Operations for Spectrum.
“Our investment is providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”
To mark the fiber-optic expansion, Spectrum gave $50,000 from its Beyond the Build Digital Education Grant to Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay this month. The money also will eventually help support a five-year partnership to fund career-readiness education for an estimated 25,000 students a year from Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties through the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center under construction in Lakeland.
“Spectrum continues to demonstrate its commitment to closing the digital divide by investing in our students,” said Lakeland Republican Rep. Jennifer Canady. “As a career classroom teacher, I know the value of hands-on learning, and this center will give Polk County students the opportunity to put classroom lessons into real-world practice.”
Spectrum has had similar efforts to expand internet service already executed in several areas of Florida, which also entailed nonprofit donations.
Junior Achievement officials said the funding will be put to good use.
“Junior Achievement is grateful for Spectrum’s investment in the Barnett Family JA Discovery Center and, most importantly, in the students we serve,” said Shauna Dykes, Market President of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay.
“This partnership will help thousands of students build practical digital and financial skills through hands-on experiences that prepare them for the decisions they will make in school, the workplace and throughout their lives.”