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You are here: Home / Broadband

Broadband

What you can do to connect Franklin to high-speed internet service

The nation, state and local government are engaged in a bold initiative to ensure all households have reliable, affordable high speed internet access. Think electricity in every home and access to drinking water. Just as those critical services are necessary for life today, just as necessary for the future of our county is the presence of high speed internet.

The Local Technology Planning Team, appointed by the County Commission, and its associated Stakeholders, of government, not-for-profits, private business, and interested citizens, are committed to helping the County Commission prepare for federal and state grant applications in the coming months. Partnering with our local land-based, cellular, and satellite internet service providers, the county can accomplish this vision of better access to public education, medical care, and jobs and economic development.

You can help this exciting project reach success by joining in our conversation. Affordable Connectivity Program

  1. Test the Speed of your Wi-Fi Service: Office of Broadband - FloridaJobs.org
    If your internet speed does not register at least 25 down and 3 up, you do not have high speed internet. Call your service provider to find out why you do not have that minimum required speed. The Local Technology Planning Team recommends that you continue to see technical support from your provider as often full and reliable high speed can require multiple service calls in our harsh coastal climate.
  2. Send your Comments, Suggestions, or Questions to ConnectFranklin@FranklinCountyFlorida.com. Share your experience, good and bad, with your internet service provider and the quality of the service you have. Or send a suggestion to the team.
  3. Take the survey at (survey under construction).
  4. Find out if you qualify for financial assistance. Several programs can help fund monthly fees for internet service and one-time contributions for purchase of laptops, tablets and other devices. Go to Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

Internet Access for Students

steps to enroll

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with up to a $30 discount on their monthly internet bill. It also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider when the eligible household contributes at least $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase. Learn more

If you received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, you might qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program! Didn't receive a Pell Grant? You may still qualify. Learn more

Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
  • Participates in one of these assistance programs:
    • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
    • SNAP
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Housing Assistance, including:
      • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
      • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
      • Public Housing
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • WIC
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • or Lifeline;

News Alerts

Letter from the Local Technology Planning Team Collapse

Dear County Residents,

Until a grant becomes available, the Local Technology Planning Team and its Stakeholders identified the most important step for the county is for all residents! Please see if you or someone in your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program. This federal program offers affordable high speed internet and devices for the qualified population. Some communities are finding as many as 40 percent of their total population is eligible for this generous program. But you must apply to receive this benefit.

We want every household in the county to review this information which is available in Spanish and in English so please share with your friends and family.

If you need assistance, please contact the county at ConnectFranklin@FranklinCountyFlorida.com or If you need to talk to someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.

Thanks
Local Technology Planning Team

Next step for you and yours -- Attacking the affordability problem Expand

Dear Stakeholders,

For now, we have decided that the most important step is for us to promote the adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP by the FCC). This program offers affordable high speed internet and devices for the qualified population. Some communities are finding as many as 40 percent of their total population to be eligible for this generous program. But they must apply to receive this benefit.

We need to reach out to every household in the county with this information.

This link connects you to materials created to publicize the ACP. Please pick the format and content must suitable for you. I’d like every participant from Franklin County to distribute at least one piece of material to at least one of your constituent groups. Notice that there are special materials for social service agencies, schools, Spanish-speakers, and many other categories. The affordability problem can be whittled down right now without a grant or matching or any other funding. It is ready today.

ACP Consumer Outreach Toolkit | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)

If you need the county or cities to print copies, please let me know.

Next week I will reach out again to each of you for the responses you are receiving from your distribution.

Thanks
Pat O’Connell

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions regarding broadband or need clarification on affordability, use the form below.

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    Franklin County Courthouse
    33 Market Street
    Apalachicola, Florida 32320
    (850) 653-8861

    Franklin County Courthouse Annex
    912 N.W. Avenue A
    Carrabelle, Florida 32322
    (850) 697-3263

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