St. Pete gains new jobs as IQ Fiber expands regional operations
Economic growth meets digital equity
IQ Fiber, a rapidly expanding Jacksonville, Florida-based fiber-optic internet service provider, recently announced its expansion into Pinellas County. Its new St. Petersburg office will be located just north of the city limits. IQ Fiber’s decision to establish a major regional hub brings dozens of high-quality jobs to the area while strengthening St. Pete’s position as a leader in digital infrastructure and community connectivity.
From zero to 25: A hiring surge that signals serious growth
What started with three employees in the area is about to explode into a 20-25 person operation within six months. IQ Fiber isn’t just expanding—they’re investing in St. Pete’s future with a new regional hub, complete with management, technical operations, sales, and engineering teams.
The goal? Adding 35-50 local jobs over the next few years.
The St. Pete advantage: Why this market caught IQ Fiber’s eye
“We wanted to learn as much as possible about St. Pete’s current state, the challenges it faces, and how we can solve those challenges,” reveals Kim Smithers, IQ Fiber’s chief marketing officer.
Their homework paid off. The team reached out to the St. Pete EDC to understand the market. “The EDC was extremely helpful by providing data about the area, discussing the challenges—including the recent hurricane impacts and the digital divide across the region—and facilitated introductions to key leaders,” said Smithers. The introductions included St. Pete EDC Investor Colliers, who guided IQ Fiber’s director of new market development Josh Worrell through property options before their selection of space at 5767 157th Ave N in Clearwater. The EDC also connected IQ Fiber to Belinthia Berry, dean of workforce development at St. Pete EDC Investor St. Petersburg College to learn more about SPC’s fiber optics class offerings.
“We wanted to learn as much as possible about St. Pete’s current state, the challenges it faces, and how we can solve those challenges, and the EDC was extremely helpful.”
Kim Smithers
Chief Marketing Officer, IQ Fiber
Bridging the digital divide: Perfect timing for perfect partners
St. Pete isn’t starting from scratch when it comes to digital infrastructure. The city already boasts robust high-speed options from multiple cable, DSL, and fiber providers. But here’s where it gets interesting: the city just secured a $6.9 million federal broadband equity grant specifically designed to eliminate digital inequality.
“With this support, St. Pete is one step closer to ensuring inclusive progress for all residents, empowering them to thrive in today’s connected world,” said City of St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch when the grant was announced.
Translation: St. Pete is serious about making sure everyone—not just some—gets access to lightning-fast internet.
The bigger picture: Innovation meets opportunity
“IQ Fiber’s expansion reflects two of St. Pete’s strengths: digital connection and commitment to equity,” noted St. Pete EDC CEO Mike Swesey. We expect to see more growth in this area.
About IQ Fiber
IQ Fiber offers high speed internet service to both residential and business customers with transparent pricing and a streamlined customer experience. IQ Fiber offers simple month-to-month rates with no fees or surprise price increases and delivers symmetrical speeds along with whole-premises Wi-Fi service. IQ Fiber is privately funded and launched in August 2021.
The St. Pete EDC is located at 111 2nd Ave NE, Ste. 610, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Parking is available in the Plaza LAZ lot located next to the building; use GPS for 221 1st St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, which is near the entrance located on 1st Street N. between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
Parking is $5/hour for the first 3 hours and $20 thereafter; it is a card payment facility only (no cash). Visitor parking is on the 1st and 4th floors; please note there is no handicapped access from the parking garage above the first floor.
There is also surrounding street parking; pay with ParkMobile or in the Sundial Garage located 2 blocks away.
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