On Monday night, the Lee County Commission took a significant step toward bridging the digital divide by awarding BEAM Broadband $2.9 million from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This substantial funding will facilitate the expansion of high-speed fiber internet to underserved rural areas within the county.
This latest award marks the second phase of the Commission’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure in Lee County. In the first phase, BEAM Broadband was granted $900,000. The combined funds will support the construction of fiber internet infrastructure to nearly 700 addresses, spanning at least 28 miles of plant.
“BEAM’s application tended to be more in the unserved areas than AT&T’s. Hence, when we scored it, it scored better and ultimately won unanimously on all of these projects,” said Wendy Swann, Governmental Relations Coordinator with the Lee County Commission.
In addition to the funds from the commission, BEAM Broadband has committed an extra $1 million of its own resources to the project, demonstrating its dedication to improving internet access for rural residents. The project, which began two months ago, aims to be completed by the end of 2026.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Lee County Commission. This funding, along with our own investment, will allow us to bring fiber internet to rural areas that have historically lacked reliable connectivity. Our mission is to connect communities and create opportunities, and this project is a significant step in that direction,” said Mal Waldrep, President of BEAM Broadband. “Access to high-speed internet is important for new opportunities and growth. Reliable internet access is essential for education, business, and overall quality of life.”
BEAM Broadband’s initiative to extend fiber internet to rural Lee County addresses will significantly enhance connectivity, providing faster and more reliable internet services to under-served areas. The project’s completion will mark a substantial improvement in the county’s infrastructure, benefiting residents and local businesses alike.
The Rural Digital Opportunity Funds are part of a broader federal initiative to ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed internet, regardless of their geographic location. Lee County’s pro-active approach in securing and allocating these funds underscores its commitment to fostering digital inclusion and economic development.
