1 of the First EREC Santa Rosa County Members Connected to All-Fiber Broadband
Escambia River Electric Cooperative and Conexon Connect are pleased to announce the connection of their first customer in Santa Rosa County to gigabit-speed internet.
The connection of Chumuckla resident Lynne McDonald and others to fiber broadband brings in a new era of connectivity as rural Florida residents now have access to 2 Gbps speed internet, a service that ranks among the fastest and most robust in the nation.
“Bringing fiber internet to Santa Rosa County is going to be a game changer for EREC members and our community,” Lynne says. “From a teacher’s perspective, it means enhancing connectivity and access to a wealth of educational resources for ourselves and our students. It will enable us to utilize online tools more efficiently, conduct virtual classes, and engage students in innovative ways that will increase learning outcomes and involvement.
“As an EREC member for over 35 years, I view the arrival of fiber internet as a huge step towards progress, opening up a world of endless possibilities for local businesses to compete on a more global scale,” she adds. “I truly feel that fiber internet is going to lay the foundation for economic growth and prosperity in my community by empowering EREC members, schools, and businesses. It is paving the way for a brighter future for everyone.”
EREC and Conexon Connect announced their fiber-to-the-home project in February 2023, with plans to launch and deploy a 1,500-mile fiber network providing high-speed internet access to homes and businesses starting in Escambia County and then moving to Santa Rosa County.
“EREC members were being left behind in the digital age,” EREC CEO Ryan Campbell says. “Now, thanks to the vision of our trustees and the hard work of our employees who have taken on the mission of closing the digital divide, EREC members are gaining access to world-class internet service. This opens the doors for new opportunities such as online education for all ages, expanded employment options, and streaming and smart device use in the home that many in other areas take for granted.”
The Town of Jay is proud of the work EREC has done with the state’s Rural Broadband Initiative, Jay Manager Eric Seib says.
“We are thankful to have a forward-thinking team at EREC making tomorrow better for all of us,” he says.