Initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure connectivity in previously unserved areas

Orange County, Florida – Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings today announced that broadband Internet access is now available to residents in the Bithlo/Christmas and South Apopka areas. Through a partnership with Charter Communications, approximately 1,132 addresses in eastern Orange County and an additional 209 residential properties in the northwest part of the county now have access to high-speed Internet.

“We want to ensure that Orange County residents are not left behind in bridging the digital divide,” said Mayor Demings. “Our goal is to provide all residents with equal access to the benefits of the digital economy. Affordable, high-speed internet connects residents to essential services and expands the economic opportunity of every community.”

Mayor Demings also announced that through a partnership with the Aeras Foundation, digital devices with Wi-Fi capability will be available for loan to eligible citizens. Aeras works with community organizations and has already distributed more than 700 devices to citizens.

“We applaud Mayor Demings and the Orange County Commissioners for their bold initiative to provide reliable, high-speed internet access to all residents,” said Marva Johnson, Group Vice President, State Government Affairs at Charter Communications. “Partnerships like the one between Charter and Orange County are critical to bridging the digital divide here, across Florida, and across the country. We are grateful for the opportunity to help bring Orange County’s vision for internet access closer to reality.”

These projects represent a $5 million investment that will improve residents’ quality of life. Orange County leveraged federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which allocated more than $25 billion to invest in affordable high-speed internet and connectivity across the country.

Residents impacted by the completion of this project are asked to visit www.spectrum.com or call (855) 860-9068 to become a new customer or upgrade their service. In addition to becoming a new customer, residents may also qualify for special pricing.

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