Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Charter Communications Announce Expansion of Broadband Connectivity for Bithlo/Christmas and South Apopka

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Charter Communications Announce Expansion of Broadband Connectivity for Bithlo/Christmas and South Apopka

Initiative will bridge digital divide and secure connectivity to previously unserved areas

Orange County, FL - Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings today announced that broadband internet access is now available to residents in the Bithlo/Christmas area and in South Apopka. Through a partnership with Charter Communications, some 1132 addresses in east Orange County and additional 209 residential properties in the northwest part of the County will now have access to high-speed internet.

"We are committed to ensuring that Orange County residents are not left behind in bridging the digital divide," said Mayor Demings. "Our goal is to provide equal access to the benefits of the digital economy to all residents. Affordable, high-speed internet connects residents to critical services and expands economic opportunities to every community."

Mayor Demings also announced that through a partnership with the Aeras Foundation, wifi enabled digital devices are available to be loaned to qualified residents. Aeras works with community organizations and has already distributed more than 700 devices to residents.

"We applaud Mayor Demings and the Orange County Commissioners for their bold initiative to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to all residents," said Marva Johnson, the Group Vice President, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications. "Partnerships like the one between Charter and Orange County are critical to bridging the digital divide right here at home, across Florida, and around the country. We are grateful for the opportunity to move Orange County's vision of access closer to a reality."

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

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

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