Existing Conditions
and Reinvestment Act of 2009 made over $7 billion available for expanding broadband availability.29 All ARRA
broadband funds have now been awarded; $8,877,028 was awarded to the state of Florida.30
Public-private partnerships have funded many successful broadband projects in other locations. An example
is the countywide wireless broadband service in Hardee County, directly south of Polk County. In 2009, Rapid
Systems (a private company) and the Hardee County Industrial Development Authority filed a joint application
with the Hardee County Economic Development Authority for a grant to fund the construction and maintenance
of broadband infrastructure and related equipment and services to serve the entire county (residences and
Anchor Institutions) with high-speed internet access.31 The lowest-cost residential service available is currently
priced at $19.95 per month, with an advertised download speed of 3 mbps.32
Community Anchor Institutions
Community Anchor Institutions are defined by the NTIA as “schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers,
public safety, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, and any other community support
organizations and entities that facilitate greater use of broadband services.”33
Libraries
Figure 30 shows the connection speeds and number of computers available for patrons at Polk County libraries.
There are 15 public libraries in the county that provide public internet access. Internet access at libraries is an
essential service for many residents of the county who have no internet access at home. Broadband is also
important for the overall function of all modern library systems. The Polk County Library Cooperative maintains
an online catalog, databases, book reservation and renewal system, and other resources that make use of
broadband. Computers at all library branches are connected to this system.
Figure 30. Connection Speeds & Computers Available at Polk County Libraries, 2012
Data source: Polk County Library Cooperative
broadband_florida_initiative/broadband_grants_assistance_team
29 Recovery website. “Update: Recovery Broadband Funds 100 Percent Awarded.” http://www.recovery.gov/news/featured/pages/broadband.aspx
30 NTIA. “State Broadband Initiative.” http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/SBDD
31 Rapid Systems. “Hardee County Broadband Project.” http://www.rapidsys.com/hardee/default2.asp
32 Rapid Systems. “Hardee County Frequently Asked Questions.” http://rapidsys.com/hardee/faq.html
33 Department of Management Services. “Grants Assistance for Community Anchor Institutions.” http://www.dms.myflorida.com/suncom/
broadband_florida_initiative/broadband_grants_assistance_team
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