- Alachua County and Windstream have completed over 80% of a rural broadband rollout, deploying 365 miles of fiber to 3,950 locations since last year.
- The $14 million ARPA-funded project targets underserved areas like Island Grove and High Springs, accelerating broadband access by four years to finish by Q3 2026.
Alachua County and Windstream entered into an agreement a year ago to deploy broadband to four rural areas, and officials now say the work is over 80% complete.
Rex Reeves with Kinetic, Windstream’s fiber offering, said 365 miles of fiber optic cable had been deployed in the last 12 months, with 3,950 locations served. He said the rollout is projected to finish in the third quarter of 2026 and around six months ahead of schedule.
The county set aside $14 million from its American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) funds for broadband assistance in underserved or unserved areas. The agreement with Windstream focused on Island Grove, Earleton/Orange Heights and sections north and south of High Springs.
“It’s more of a utility now than a luxury item,” Reeves said. “It’s needed and will be more needed as we enter into the future.”
He said Alachua County’s actions accelerated broadband arrival in these areas by at least four years as federal programs remain in planning.
The county commissioners said they were excited to see the progress. Chair Ken Cornell asked that staff would present the information at a joint meeting with the city of High Springs planned for Thursday.