LiveOak Fiber, a newly formed broadband service provider, 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.
As it stands, around 2.7 million Floridians lack access to reliable broadband internet with Okaloosa County facing some of these biggest challenges. When complete, LiveOak Fiber’s network will provide fiber-based broadband internet and communications solutions to serve homes and businesses who need it most. Residents can expect a robust internet service with 10G per second – the fastest speeds in the U.S.
LiveOak Fiber is committed to providing communities with necessary internet services that are designed to enable social and economic growth and with plans and commitments to hire locally, they expect the project to create 50 new jobs in the County over the next three years.
“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 its 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.
One Okaloosa EDC assisted LiveOak with the community review and data gathering efforts that led to the company’s favorable decision.
