Project Will Deliver High-Speed Internet Access to More Than 4,700 Locations
Arcadia, FL — February 9, 2026 — IBT today announced that construction is officially underway on a new fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) broadband network in DeSoto County, marking a major milestone in expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet service for residents and businesses.
Once complete, the network will provide fiber broadband service to more than 4,700 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the county, delivering significantly faster speeds, improved reliability, and future-ready connectivity.
“This project represents a critical investment in DeSoto County’s digital infrastructure,” said Daniel Toledano, Managing Director of IBT. “By bringing fiber directly to thousands of locations, we are helping ensure residents, businesses, and public institutions have the connectivity they need to support economic growth, education, healthcare, and everyday life.”
Construction activities are currently underway in multiple areas of the county and will continue in phases as crews build out the core network and neighborhood-level infrastructure. Fiber-to-the-premises technology allows internet service to be delivered directly to each location, supporting symmetrical gigabit-class speeds and long-term scalability.
This deployment is part of a broader effort to expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas and is supported through a combination of grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the State of Florida Department of Commerce.
IBT will provide regular updates as construction progresses and service availability expands. Residents and businesses will be notified when fiber service becomes available in their area. For more information and to track construction progress, visit www.ibt.us or follow our social media channels here.
This broadband deployment is supported through a combination of federal and state funding programs aimed at expanding high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved communities.
Sponsored by IBT Group USA, LLC and the State of Florida, Department of Commerce. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0125 awarded to the State of Florida by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The project receives support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Rural Utilities Service broadband initiatives.
The contents of this announcement reflect the activities and perspectives of IBT Group USA, LLC and do not necessarily represent the official views or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or the State of Florida. Reference to these agencies or funding programs does not constitute or imply endorsement by the United States Government or the State of Florida.
IBT Group USA, LLC is an equal opportunity provider.
IBT is a broadband infrastructure and internet service provider focused on delivering high-performance fiber and fixed wireless networks to communities across the United States. The company specializes in deploying future-proof broadband solutions that support economic development, digital inclusion, and long-term community growth.