rural broadband

Florida Senate Backs Effort to Expand Broadband?

Dan Florida, High-Speed Internet/Broadband, Legislative, Regulation, Technology

broadband

The Florida Senate on Thursday (Mar. 3, 2022) unanimously passed a proposal that would create a framework to help expand broadband into underserved areas. Linked bills (SB 1800 and SB 1802), sponsored by Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, would establish a program to replace poles to help extend broadband.

Sen. Loranne Ausley, a Tallahassee Democrat whose district includes sprawling rural areas, said expanding broadband and access to high-speed internet is critical. “Broadband is an essential element of living in today’s world, and there are simply too many Floridians who don’t have access to it,” Ausley said.

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Boyd said the state is waiting to receive federal money that would be used for the program.

Similar bills (HB 1543 and HB 1545), sponsored by Rep. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City, have cleared House committees and are ready for action by the full House.

By The News Service of Florida