Mapping a Better Future for Texas
Austin, TX (October 17, 2019) – Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) took its work to improve how broadband coverage is mapped in the state to those who can help expand access to more communities—the providers. Staff members presented during the Texas Statewide Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (TSTCI) annual membership meeting in Austin.
CN Texas, a local subsidiary division of the national nonprofit Connected Nation, is working to better identify the Digital Divide in the Lone Star State - by creating a mapping tool that can used by state leaders, community organizations, providers, and others.
“The accuracy and granularity of broadband data is important to Texas’ future,” said Chip Spann, Connected Nation’s Director of Engineering & Technical Services. “It is the goal of Connected Nation Texas to ensure that all providers are represented accurately on the maps.”
TSTCI is a statewide association made up of small telephone cooperatives and telephone companies across Texas. Its mission is to provide rural residents with excellent telecommunications services. Every fall TSTCI hosts an annual membership meeting that includes panels, guest speakers, and information sessions to help improve telecommunication in rural areas of the state.
During his presentation, Spann showed examples of maps comparing FCC Form 477 data to that of CN Texas’ more granular approach; service area mapping. He also discussed the new CN Texas programs on community engagement and local technology planning.
CN Texas is in the process of reaching out to Texas broadband providers to discuss, and request data regarding their service areas and will make Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) available to providers.
“Having detailed data of broadband coverage is critical for public, private, local, and state stakeholders to make more informed decisions on ways to improve broadband in Texas.”
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The previous broadband maps from October 2014 are available at the following link: https://connectednation.org/texas/mapping-analysis/
Learn more about Connected Nation Texas here
CN Texas, a local subsidiary division of the national nonprofit Connected Nation, is working to better identify the Digital Divide in the Lone Star State - by creating a mapping tool that can used by state leaders, community organizations, providers, and others.
“The accuracy and granularity of broadband data is important to Texas’ future,” said Chip Spann, Connected Nation’s Director of Engineering & Technical Services. “It is the goal of Connected Nation Texas to ensure that all providers are represented accurately on the maps.”
TSTCI is a statewide association made up of small telephone cooperatives and telephone companies across Texas. Its mission is to provide rural residents with excellent telecommunications services. Every fall TSTCI hosts an annual membership meeting that includes panels, guest speakers, and information sessions to help improve telecommunication in rural areas of the state.
During his presentation, Spann showed examples of maps comparing FCC Form 477 data to that of CN Texas’ more granular approach; service area mapping. He also discussed the new CN Texas programs on community engagement and local technology planning.
CN Texas is in the process of reaching out to Texas broadband providers to discuss, and request data regarding their service areas and will make Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs) available to providers.
“Having detailed data of broadband coverage is critical for public, private, local, and state stakeholders to make more informed decisions on ways to improve broadband in Texas.”
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The previous broadband maps from October 2014 are available at the following link: https://connectednation.org/texas/mapping-analysis/
Learn more about Connected Nation Texas here