What you can do to connect Franklin to high-speed internet service
The nation, state and local government are engaged in a bold initiative to ensure all households have reliable, affordable high speed internet access. Think electricity in every home and access to drinking water. Just as those critical services are necessary for life today, just as necessary for the future of our county is the presence of high speed internet.
The Local Technology Planning Team, appointed by the County Commission, and its associated Stakeholders, of government, not-for-profits, private business, and interested citizens, are committed to helping the County Commission prepare for federal and state grant applications in the coming months. Partnering with our local land-based, cellular, and satellite internet service providers, the county can accomplish this vision of better access to public education, medical care, and jobs and economic development.
You can help this exciting project reach success by joining in our conversation. 
- Test the Speed of your Wi-Fi Service: Office of Broadband - FloridaJobs.org
If your internet speed does not register at least 25 down and 3 up, you do not have high speed internet. Call your service provider to find out why you do not have that minimum required speed. The Local Technology Planning Team recommends that you continue to see technical support from your provider as often full and reliable high speed can require multiple service calls in our harsh coastal climate. - Send your Comments, Suggestions, or Questions to ConnectFranklin@FranklinCountyFlorida.com. Share your experience, good and bad, with your internet service provider and the quality of the service you have. Or send a suggestion to the team.
- Take the survey at (survey under construction).
- Find out if you qualify for financial assistance. Several programs can help fund monthly fees for internet service and one-time contributions for purchase of laptops, tablets and other devices. Go to Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission (fcc.gov)
Internet Access for Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with up to a $30 discount on their monthly internet bill. It also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider when the eligible household contributes at least $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase. Learn more
If you received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, you might qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program! Didn't receive a Pell Grant? You may still qualify. Learn more
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance, including:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
- Public Housing
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
News Alerts
Dear Stakeholders,
Yesterday the County Commission voted to approve a letter of support for the Consolidated grant application for a Capital Infrastructure funding grant. Consolidated’s grant application is for approximately $800,000 to be used to put fiber in a residential area north of the Apalachicola airport. The area lies outside the city boundaries. The grant application proposes to provide high speed internet access to approximately 373 households. There is no investment required by the county. If successful, Consolidated will have received the first deployment grant for Broadband from the new series of federal/state programs to expand access to broadband to all households in the nation.
Thank you for your interest in Broadband for connecting Franklin.
Questions/Comments
If you have any questions regarding broadband or need clarification on affordability, use the form below.