Hill Country Counties Partner Up to Fight Digital Divide

Three counties north of San Antonio will team up with broadband access advocacy group, Connected Nation Texas, to create Technology Action Plans to bring high-speed internet access to rural Hill Country communities.

Blanco, Burnet and Llano county officials joined CN Texas, a subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation, to gather public input as they develop the plan through the Connected Community Engagement Program, which has helped more than 300 communities across the country, according to a Wednesday news release.

“Having access to broadband affects everything from our local schools and businesses to the court system,” said Blanco County Judge Bret Bray in the news release. “We need high-speed internet to access court records and share documents with other jurisdictions."

Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham said in the news release that broadband access is "far beyond a want" in his county, and is vital for economic development, education and healthcare.

“From my perspective as Burnet County Judge, I look forward to the opportunity of having a group discussion between Connected Nation and regional leaders to identify ways to make their information gathering survey as successful as possible,” Judge James Oakley, Burnet County said.