(TAMPA, Fla) – Hundreds of families at Tempo at ENCORE! will receive access to free high-speed internet, thanks to a generous donation from Tampa-based PBX-Change.
The company is installing all of the necessary equipment, at no cost. This includes a 5 Gigabits/sec primary internet feed to the building, 1Gbps delivered to each of the 203 units, as well as multiple outdoor wireless access points to cover the common areas. Siklu, a primary vendor to PBX-Change, donated the mmWave radios needed to bring the high-speed internet to the building and PBX-Change is covering the cost of the remaining equipment, technology, and installation, a donation totaling approximately $30,000.
“Our company was scheduled to provide free services to several major public events this summer which were canceled because of the global pandemic,” said Bill Heinz, VP of Sales for PBX-Change. “We knew immediately that there must be another way to assist the local community during this difficult time especially for families with children needing to keep learning while schools are closed, and for those living alone who may be isolated. At times like this, reliable internet with sufficient bandwidth to serve multiple needs at once is absolutely critical.”
“We’re extremely grateful for this donation and excited for the partnership with PBX-Change,” said Leroy Moore, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Tampa Housing Authority. “We know that this will help families that do not have access to the internet. This service will be offered at no cost to them and with no future costs for the community.”
PBX-Change is also donating the ongoing monthly $3,500 service charge for the 5Gbps internet access for the building.
PBX-Change provides business phone services throughout the United States, and high-speed internet to major corporations in West Central Florida. This installation is their first residential project.
Located in downtown, ENCORE! Tampa is spearheaded by Central Park Development Group (CPDG), a public/private partnership between Banc of America Community Development Corporation (BACDC) and Tampa Housing Authority (THA). Central Park Development Group is the master developer of Encore, which currently includes another market-rate and mixed-income multi-family building, two senior residences, a BayCare Medical Center, Head Start program and other retail options. Two all market-rate multi-family residences are currently under construction.
About ENCORE!
Strategically located in the heart of Tampa’s downtown neighborhoods, ENCORE! is a vibrant, master-planned development and a key element of the Center City’s booming urban infill and real estate market. It’s just 5-minutes in any direction to
the Central Business District with its 60,000+ workers, 30,000+ residents, the University of Tampa, and University of South Florida Medical School [just south of ENCORE!]
the Ybor historic entertainment district and future home of the Tampa Bay Rays [or a national] baseball stadium [just east of ENCORE!]
the $3B Water Street development, including high-end residential towers and a 5-star Marriott Edition hotel in Channelside [just southeast of ENCORE!]
Tampa Height’s affluent Riverside neighborhoods and the fully restored Armature Works with innovative eaters, the Heights Public Market, and co-working space, [just northeast of ENCORE!]
About PBX-Change
Founded in 2000, Tampa Bay DSL dba PBX-Change and Tampa Bay Fiber is an internet and phone service provider specializing in voice, cloud and Gigabit+ internet services. Known for our exceptional customer service and dedication, we design, install and support leading voice, data and IT solutions and connect millions of calls nationwide each month. In the Tampa Bay area we supply 5Gbps internet to SunTrust, Regions, Wells Fargo, and the Meridian buildings, amongst many others.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Beth Leytham, 813-245-1522
bethleytham@theleythamgroup.com
Lillian Stringer, 813-267-7670
lillian.stringer@thafl.com