Alachua County partners with Kinetic to expand broadband access
Press release from Alachua County
ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County and Kinetic have announced a $22.9 million public-private partnership to expand high-speed fiber broadband to more than 4,200 homes and businesses across the county, with completion expected over the next two years. The project represents a major step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring all residents have access to reliable, modern internet service.
Kinetic is a premier fiber internet provider that delivers residential and business broadband, phone, and internet security services. The company operates across 18 states, with a focus on expanding fiber infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in both rural and urban areas.
The initiative will extend broadband service to communities that currently lack adequate access, which supports education, healthcare, and local business development. The project focuses on areas around the greater unincorporated High Springs, the Waldo-Earleton-Melrose area, and Island Grove.
“This partnership is a game-changer for Alachua County,” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford. “Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure. This project will ensure thousands of our residents and small businesses can connect to the tools and opportunities that drive education, innovation, and economic growth.”
The County is investing more than $12 million in the project, with Kinetic contributing over $10 million. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with service rollouts occurring in phases across four project areas.
As part of the partnership, Kinetic will collaborate with the County to teach digital literacy through community workshops and learning sessions designed to help residents make the most of new broadband access.
“Kinetic is proud to work alongside Alachua County to expand fiber access in communities that have waited far too long for reliable high-speed internet,” said Southeast President of Kinetic Operations Stacy Hale. “Together, we’re building infrastructure that supports opportunity for years to come.”
Learn more about the County’s broadband efforts.
Learn more about Kinetic’s services.
Why is the county government spending over $12 million to subsidize a private company’s fiber installation? The term “public-private partnership” is a euphemism for fascist governance.
Slice, broadband access is a necessary utility now and providing it to all homeowners like providing electricity. This benefits households that are connected – including their kids who will more and more require it for school – and all of us by further connectivity. Despite problems – all technological advancements bring problems – the benefits are earth shaking.
Not a county function. Just like most of the junk pet services the Democrat politicians favor, rather than basic infrastructure.
Won’t they need new digital house phones? I don’t see a mention of that.
What’s a house phone?