Increased broadband coverage on the horizon for Shelby County, Texas
Shelby County, Texas (August 23, 2021) – Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) recently presented the final draft of the Technology Action Plan developed for Shelby County. A final action plan will be presented to the county on Aug. 25.
Data were collected during a county-wide survey that took place from December 2021 through April 2021. The survey captured information on broadband (high-speed internet) technology access and adoption across the community. In total, the survey collected responses from 597 unique residential households as well as businesses, schools and other community sectors.
Key findings from the surveys include:
- According to FCC data compiled by CN Texas, 27.56% of households have access to internet speeds of 25/3 Mpbs, which the FCC considers high-speed internet (broadband).
- This speed is available in four areas of the county, leaving the rest of the county with lower internet speeds.
- The average download speed reported by households in the county is 10.93 Mbps.
- The two primary barriers for broadband adoption are a lack of available service and the price being too expensive.
“Shelby County is so excited to be working with Connected Nation Texas,” said Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison. “Getting broadband coverage for our residents is a priority for the county, and developing this plan has been a big step forward for us. Working together with Connected Nation Texas has been vital for Shelby County. We could not have this actionable plan without Connected Nation Texas and their wonderful staff. In particular, I want to thank Broadband Solutions Manager Pam Waggoner, who has been the driving force behind this project.”
To date, the Connected Community Engagement Program has helped more than 650 communities with similar broadband pains. CN Texas staff analyzed data collected throughout the process and held frequent meetings with community officials in Shelby County to determine specific community needs.
“This project has been so important. I am excited to see leaders in Shelby County implement the Technology Action Plan,” said Pam Waggoner, Broadband Solutions Manager, CN Texas. “All of us at Connected Nation Texas will work hard to continue to be a resource and a partner to Shelby County—a partnership that we hope will benefit the community for years to come.”
In addition to key data points and research, the Technology Action Plan includes the following recommendations for improving broadband access and adoption in Shelby County:
- Hire a broadband manager to focus on broadband issues
- Develop local telecommunications polices and ordinances to minimize any barriers to broadband deployment
- Increase the adoption of broadband
- Replace and maintain the backhaul network
To view the full results of the Shelby County broadband surveys, check out: https://connectednation.org/shelby-county-texas/.
To learn more about the Connected Community Engagement Program, visit: https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/#About%20Connected%20Nation%20Texas.
# # #
About Connected Nation Texas: CN Texas is a local division 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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
jdenson@connectednation.org
502-341-2024