Jack County committee seeks input for countywide plan to improve internet access and speeds for all
Residents, businesses, health care organizations, schools, and others asked to share details about internet access in their area
Jack County, Texas (May 11, 2021) – The Jack County Broadband Committee just launched its work to develop a Technology Action Plan for the entire county. The Committee, which is made up of local stakeholders, is a working partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas).
This effort seeks to identify Jack County’s unique challenges and opportunities for expanding high-speed internet so that every family, business, and community organization can access critical resources.
“Broadband is essential to the success of our students given the way it connects them to their teachers and peers and online learning tools. It is paramount that our students have broadband internet not just at school, but also at home to facilitate scholastic achievement,” said Dwain Milam, Jacksboro ISD Superintendent. “Our students are worth the investment to ensure they have equitable access to broadband no matter where they live.”
Jack County is among 27 communities selected to participate in a statewide effort led by CN Texas and funded by the Texas Rural Funders—at no cost to the county. As part of this effort, the Jack County Committee is asking local residents and organizations to take 10 minutes and fill out this short survey: https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/jack-county/. Simply choose the survey category or categories that represent you or your organization.
“This past year demonstrated the need for fast and reliable broadband internet connections,” said Mike Smith, City Manager of Jacksboro. “In-person events became virtual conferences and face-to-face meetings occurred via laptops and cellphones. These events underscore the necessity of broadband internet access not just for the few but for all as residents seek to be involved in the immediate Jack County community and beyond.”
The Technology Action Plan will be developed by leveraging Connected Nation’s Connected Community Engagement Program and will be shaped by the information provided by local stakeholders. For that reason, it’s important to include as much information as possible so that no area is left out of this plan.
“With telework on the rise, technological advancements in farming, and online businesses booming, the need for broadband has never been more evident. We want Jack County to be on the precipice of broadband advancement in rural Texas and believe this partnership with Connected Nation Texas is the perfect opportunity,” said Jack County Judge Keith Umphress. “The entire Jack County community stands to benefit from this broadband initiative, so I urge all residents to take the survey as we assess the broadband needs of our community.”
The Connected Program has been used in nearly 650 communities across the country to develop county or regional-specific Technology Action Plans that have both short term and long-term broadband solutions.
For more information or if you have questions, email info@connectednation.org or head to connectednation.org/texas.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
jdenson@connectednation.org
502-341-2024
About Connected Nation Texas: CN Texas is the statewide subsidiary of the national nonprofit Connected Nation. Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Texas Rural Funders: The mission of the Texas Rural Funders (TRF) is to partner with rural Texans to achieve their vision of prosperity and wellbeing. The group’s strategies recognize and are informed by rural expertise and assets. The TRF leverages local, philanthropic, state, and federal resources to collaborate on projects, support local capacity and leadership, share research, convene stakeholders and engage in advocacy. More information can be found on the TRF webpage at: https://texasruralfunders.org/.