ConexonConnect,powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, delivers all-fiber broadband service to one of Santa Rosa County’s first members
Press Release: ConexonConnect, powered by Escambia River Electric Cooperative, delivers all-fiber broadband service to one of Santa Rosa County’s first members
Jay, Fla., January 24, 2024 – Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) and ConexonConnect, are pleased to announce the connection of their first customer in Santa Rosa County to gigabit-speed internet.
The connection of Chumuckla resident Lynne McDonald to fiber broadband network means rural Florida residents now have access to 2 Gbps service internet that is among the fastest and most robust in the nation.
“Bringing fiber internet to Santa Rosa County is going to be a game changer for EREC members and our community. From a teacher’s perspective, it means enhancing connectivity and access to a wealth of educational resources for ourselves and our students. Utilizing online tools more efficiently, conducting virtual classes, and engaging students in innovative ways that will increase learning outcomes and involvement,” says McDonald. “As an EREC member for over 35 years, the arrival of fiber internet signifies a huge step towards progress and opens up a world of endless possibilities for local businesses to compete on a more global scale. I truly feel that fiber internet is going to lay the foundation for economic growth and prosperity in my community by empowering EREC members, schools and businesses. Paving the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
EREC and ConexonConnect announced their fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) project in February 2023, with plans to launch and deploy a 1,500-mile fiber network providing high-speed internet access to homes and businesses starting in Escambia County and then moving to Santa Rosa County.
“EREC members were being left behind in the digital age,” said Ryan Campbell, Escambia River Electric Cooperative CEO. “Now, thanks to the vision of our Trustees and the hard work of our employees who have taken on the mission of closing the digital divide, EREC members are gaining access to world-class internet service. This opens the doors for new opportunities such as online education for all ages, expanded employment options, and streaming and smart device use in the home that many in other areas take for granted.”
The Town of Jay is very proud of the work EREC has done with the State’s Rural Broadband Initiative,” says Eric Seib, Manager of the Town of Jay.” We are thankful to have a forward thinking team at EREC making tomorrow better for all of us.”
“It is monumental what EREC is doing,” states Kyle Holley, Santa Rosa County.
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About the Broadband Project:
Project announced in February, 2023. Project initiated first inEscambia County and first connection announced August, 2023.
All EREC members in Escambia County have availability to access gigabit-speed internet, and member connections are currently being scheduled and completed.
Multiple sources in Escambia County are in place to help prevent any downtime issues and the same will be done in Santa Rosa County.
Five electric cooperatives in Florida have unified together tofulfill the mission of closing the digital divide. Together, they serve 16 counties across Florida and have completed close to 4,500 miles of fiber and have invested over $149 million as of January 12, 2024.
