Telegraph Staff Writer
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— Clay County Commissioner Betsy Condon said Phase 1 of the county’s broadband expansion project is complete in Clay Hill and nearly finished in the Keystone Heights area.
She added that the county and Xfinity held an internet community Sign-up event on Saturday, May 6, inside the Clay Hill Elementary School cafeteria.
Condon said she anticipates a similar event in the Lake Region soon.
“This project is more than just the internet – it touches education, careers, entertainment, and resources,” Condon said. “Our goal is to eliminate the digital divide across Clay County, so our residents won’t have to be burdened with the worry of not being able to connect for online education, work, or family entertainment.”
The county said that during the sign-up events, residents will learn what Xfinity internet services are available to them and if they qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program that provides low-income households a credit of up to $30 a month toward their internet or mobile services.
The commissioner added that the county and Comcast have already applied for Phase 2 funding from the state Department of Economic Opportunity. Comcast expects to have those grants in place and have permits and construction projects approved before the end of the year.
“Phase 2 includes more of Clay Hill and Middleburg,” Condon said, “as well as McCrae going further out County Road 214 into County Road 315.”
