On Monday, July 11, 2022, LiveOak Fiber, an emerging regional broadband service provider, announced that the newly formed company is investing $100 million to construct and operate a next-generation high-speed fiber optic network in Okaloosa County.
- The new network will bring alternative options to underserved regions of the county, ensuring access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure for businesses and residents in the area.
When complete, LiveOak Fiber’s network will provide fiber-based broadband internet and communications solutions to serve homes and businesses throughout its digital footprint, according to One Okaloosa EDC.
- “Residents can expect a robust internet service with 10G per second – the fastest speeds in the U.S.,” said Nathan Sparks, One Okaloosa EDC Executive Director.
A 2021 research report from BroadbandNow estimated at least 42 million Americans lack access to broadband internet. According to the report, 2,373,981 Floridians also lack access to reliable broadband internet.
Okaloosa County faces such challenges, and the area’s broadband access ranking of #182 in the Milken Institute’s “2022 Best Performing Cities” ranking confirms this.
“Okaloosa County residents and businesses need the critical infrastructure and services to support a growing population and attract new investment,” said Jody Craft, President of LiveOak Fiber. “Bringing high-speed fiber and the modern services it enables to these communities changes lives, improves education, advances healthcare options, and grows local businesses.”
Construction on the project is planned for later this year. LiveOak expects to begin connecting their first customers as early as February 2023. With plans and commitments to hire locally, the company expects to create 50 new jobs in Okaloosa County over the next three years.
“We welcome LiveOak Fiber’s considerable investment in Okaloosa County’s technology infrastructure,” said Commissioner Mel Ponder, Chairman, Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. “As our community’s profile continues to elevate for new businesses and residents alike, a state-of-the-art fiber network is not only an important amenity, it is an absolute necessity.”
One Okaloosa EDC assisted LiveOak with the community review and data gathering efforts that led to the company’s favorable decision.
“One Okaloosa EDC is a strong proponent of any effort designed to enhance our community’s overall competitiveness, and a $100 million investment by the private sector in new broadband infrastructure resoundingly checks that box,” said Leslie Sheekley, Chair, One Okaloosa EDC. “We also enthusiastically welcome LiveOak’s commitment to creating new, local job opportunities.”
To learn more about LiveOak Fiber’s services and receive updates on plans and employment opportunities, click here.
