Windstream Tops 80% of Alachua Broadband Build, Reaching 3,950 Rural Locations in Under 1 Year
Updated
Updated · Gainesville Sun · May 13
Windstream Tops 80% of Alachua Broadband Build, Reaching 3,950 Rural Locations in Under 1 Year
2 articles · Updated · Gainesville Sun · May 13
More than 3,950 homes and businesses in Alachua County’s underserved areas now have Windstream service, pushing the county-backed rural broadband rollout past 80% in less than a year.
American Rescue Plan money funded the expansion across four county contracts covering south High Springs, east Waldo, Earleton, Island Grove and the northwest corner, where hundreds of locations still remain.
Windstream said 124 locations are left in south High Springs, 588 in the northwest area, 42 in east Waldo and Earleton, and 154 in Island Grove.
County commissioners pressed Windstream on gaps and affordability, citing complaints from Archer residents about nearby fiber lines without hookups; the company said it would investigate.
Kinetic’s plans start at $24.99 a month for 100 Mbps and rise to $69.99 for 2 gigabits, as Florida works to finalize additional BEAD broadband grants.
With federal internet subsidies now gone, can rural families truly afford Alachua County's new 'essential' broadband service?
Why are new fiber optic lines bypassing homes in rural Archer, and who ensures universal access is actually achieved?
As new laws demand provider accountability, will Alachua's $14M project become a national model or a cautionary tale?