Go Fund Me Account Established For Lower Keys Internet Service Restoration

Among the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys was the destruction of Internet service infrastructure. According to an email blast/press release from Jordan Smith of Broadwave, the Lower Keys/Key West Internet provider needs to raise more than $65,000 “to cover minimum requirements of electronic hardware, relays, service point dishes and bandwidth to our community here, in Key West.”

Less obvious than the structural damage Hurricane Irma wreaked on the Lower Keys and Key last weekend, Internet service infrastructure for the area also was wiped out.

To that end, the outfit has set up a Go Fund Me account.

“We currently are ‘boots on the ground’ in the Lower Keys now and assessing all the required equipment needed,” Smith said in the release. “Our pilots will start flying needed personnel and equipment down from Lakeland (Fla.) to Key West and the Lower Keys, to make immediate installations. We will then continue necessary round trips as needed in the coming days and weeks.

“The need is to restore free basic wireless service to allow homeowners to file for FEMA claims, connect with family and allow businesses to order needed supplies,” he continued. “Broadwave has the wireless bandwidth to deliver Internet service from atop downtown Miami to the critical select hotspots in Key West. We have already arrived in Summerland Key via the Aerobridge Hurricane Irma Support Mission. We are fully committed to bringing service to our neighbors in need and local businesses. When our goal is met, we will continue to leapfrog the service, outside select areas, up the Keys, and make Internet available to as many locations as possible along US-1 in the Keys. We are committed to full transparency of expenses to any and all people who donate and all funds will be used to help those who need our help.”

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