Ready to connect
Rapid Fiber Internet build propels toward completion 7 months early
After three years of planning, construction and perseverance through some of North Florida’s toughest weather, Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative members now have something many rural communities wait years to see—a fully built fiber-to-the-home broadband network. SVEC completed construction of its fiber network seven months ahead of schedule, capping the effort to bring reliable, high-speed internet to every member through its subsidiary, Rapid Fiber Internet. Additional work is underway to provide coverage to the unique needs within Advent Christian Village. Rapid Fiber connected its first customers in August 2023, and the final construction zone just opened in February, officially completing the cooperative’s ambitious buildout. Crews opened 42 zones across Suwannee, Hamilton, Lafayette and Columbia counties, expanding high-speed internet access to communities where broadband was historically limited or unreliable. Ashley Robinson Murphy, Rapid Fiber Internet’s marketing and communications coordinator, says the accomplishment is especially meaningful for members who previously lacked dependable connectivity. “Only about 6.5% of our service territory had access to what the FCC considers high-speed internet before this project,” Ashley says. “Now, every SVEC member has access to fiber. If you’re the last person on the electric line, we’re still bringing fiber to your home.”
Overcoming the odds
Completing the project ahead of schedule is particularly notable given the challenges the region faced during construction. Shortly after Rapid Fiber Internet began connecting customers in 2023, the region was struck by powerful ABOVE AND LEFT: A technician installs Rapid Fiber Internet connections on SVEC power poles during the systemwide build. 4 | APRIL 2026 Suwannee Valley Currents PHOTOS BY CHRISTY TUCKEY/SVEC storms, including hurricanes Idalia, Debby and Helene, which caused widespread damage and created significant obstacles for infrastructure projects. Despite those setbacks, the project maintained momentum and ultimately beat its original completion target of August 2026. Today, the network serves about 8,000 customers and counting.
Designed for rural communities
One defining feature of the project was SVEC’s commitment to ensuring every member had access, not just those in higher-density areas. Many commercial internet providers focus on neighborhoods where they can serve the most customers with the least infrastructure investment. SVEC took a different approach. “Access was our biggest goal,” Ashley says. “Most providers focus on higher-population areas, but if there are only two or three members on a stretch of line, we’re still going to bring fiber to them.” That approach reflects the cooperative’s longstanding mission of delivering essential services to rural communities that might otherwise be overlooked. The new fiber network also supports modern needs such as remote work, telehealth and online education. “Now, rural North Florida has the same reliable internet speeds, if not better, than major cities like Miami, Orlando or Jacksonville,” Ashley says.
Fueling community growth
Reliable broadband also impacts economic development in the region. Ashley says Rapid Fiber Internet works with local real estate professionals to highlight fiber connectivity as a selling point for homes and businesses. “Internet access has become a deal maker or breaker,” she says. “We’ve had potential homebuyers call and ask if Rapid Fiber serves an address before they even consider looking at a property. People who want the quieter lifestyle our communities offer now have the internet access they need for work, education and everyday life.” Rapid Fiber Internet continues to expand service within Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park, a large retirement community. Because of the village’s unique layout, which includes high-rise condos, neighborhoods, medical facilities, businesses and a hotel, Rapid Fiber Internet is collaborating with its administrators to design infrastructure that meets every need. Rapid Fiber Internet representatives will keep participating in SVEC’s Watts Up Wednesday community outreach events to answer questions and help Advent Christian Village residents learn more about service options. For our cooperative, completing the fiber network represents more than finishing a project—it’s an investment in the region’s future.
Share this article
