Rural Tech Talk Presented by Charter Communications included 4-H Opportunity for All Essay Awards
Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry was proud to host Charter Communications representatives today who joined Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, representatives from the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences 4-H Youth Development Program, county leaders and business owners to present “A Real Rural Tech Talk” broadband roundtable and 4-H Essay Competition Awards.
The roundtable, held at the Langley Bell 4-H Center in Cantonment, explored the opportunities and challenges of broadband deployment, access and adoption, and public-private funding to bring connectivity to thousands of unserved Floridians.
The Federal Communication Commission estimates that there are more than 804,000 Floridians without access to a wired broadband connection. Even more lack the basic skills or technology necessary to put it to use.
“The pandemic has highlighted the need for broadband availability and adoption and Charter is committed to bridging the digital divide to positively impact rural communities,” said Marva Johnson, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs Charter Communications. “As Americans across the country increasingly rely on broadband to work, learn, access healthcare and stay in touch with family and loved ones, bringing broadband access to more unserved areas should be a priority for all stakeholders.”
In addition to Charter’s existing ongoing network expansion plans, the company looks forward to participating in public-private partnerships to expand broadband access. Charter recently announced the launch of a multiyear, multibillion-dollar broadband buildout initiative to deliver gigabit high-speed broadband access to more than 1 million unserved customer locations, as estimated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and awarded to Charter in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase I auction.
“Enhancing Florida’s broadband infrastructure is vital to Florida’s future and helps ensure all citizens and businesses have the same opportunities for economic prosperity and access to critical services,” said Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the State of Florida. “I’m pleased that the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund awarded Charter nearly $23 million dollars to build out broadband infrastructure in our state. By working together to expand high-speed internet service, we can continue to position rural communities throughout Florida for economic success.”
The roundtable, moderated by Escambia County District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry, also celebrated 4-H students, who entered the Charter/UF/IFAS/4-H Florida essay competition, Opportunity4All: Expanding Broadband in Rural Communities. Members awarded for their outstanding technology essay are:
- August Speisman, Duval County 4-H - 1st Place, $750
- Anna Steed, Hillsborough County 4-H - 2nd Place, $500
- Ryleigh Rhoden, Bradford County 4-H - 3rd Place, $250
The essays focused on how connectivity enables technology that enhances the food and agricultural enterprise for all Floridians, resulting in greater food safety, increased efficiency for lower prices, and reduced environmental and ecological impacts. “I’d like to recognize and congratulate our future generation of leaders for their awards in the 4-H technology essay competition,” said Barry.
Each winner received a cash prize and a Chromebook.
Photos of the Event
Video of the Event
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About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet® , TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
Media Contact:
Patti Michel, Sr. Director of Regional Communications, South
828-505-7709 office
864-360-9282 cell
patti.michel@charter.com
@CharterNewsroom
