Citing the damage caused by the COVID-19 crisis, Figgers Communication today announced a new partnership to support children and families in Gadsden County. The company has partnered with Gadsden County officials to increase internet access and connectivity by providing free services to 45,000 people in the county. The program will kick off on Feb. 1, 2021, and provide children and families in the county with:
- New Wi-Fi hotspot device
- Three months of 4gLte service
- Dedicated 24/7 customer service
Offered free of charge to every qualified Gadsden County resident, the partnership will allow every resident the opportunity to have access to wireless internet anywhere within the county.
“One of the biggest sources of shame and pain for working-class families and people living in poverty is lack of reliable and consistent internet access,” said Germain Bebe, COO of Figgers Communication. “Without internet access, children and teens are unable to consistently view and complete schoolwork, and families may be unable to participate in religious services or virtual medical appointments. There is no question, this program will have a positive impact across the county.”
According to the Federal Communications Commission’s Eighth Broadband Progress report, “… approximately 19 million Americans—6 percent of the population—still lack access to fixed broadband service at threshold speeds. In rural areas, nearly one-fourth of the population —14.5 million people—lack access to this service.” Relatedly, 5.75% of Floridians lack internet access at home and at work.
“Figgers Communication is excited to bring services that will be a net positive to the communities of Gadsden. During the planning and pre-launch phase, we realized how much COVID has impacted the Gadsden County community. We quickly made the decision to provide 3 months of free service instead of the one month of service the County initially requested. This project is especially meaningful for us as our founder, Freddie Figgers, was raised in Gadsden.”
Since taking the unprecedented step of making these hotspots available at no cost, thousands of eager Gadsden County residents have contacted Figgers Communications and Gadsden County. Figgers Communication has provided data services since 2008. Figgers’ Wi-Fi network is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and is available in numerous business locations, including outdoors.
Residents interested in the program can sign up prior to Feb. 1 by going to GadsdenBroadband.com or calling 1-800-223-5435.
