Scholastic achievement, economic development, and emergency preparedness the focus of Fisher County’s Technology Action Plan
Fisher County, Texas (October 28, 2021) – Named for Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Fisher County boasts a population of nearly 3,700 people. This year, Fisher County worked with Connected Nation Texas on a community broadband engagement designed to determine the community’s internet access, adoption, and use rates. After reviewing the data, the broadband team in Fisher County agrees that residents need better access to the internet, and they are ready to execute the Technology Action Plan developed for their community. In total, 136 households, along with numerous businesses, schools, and community institutions responded to the community survey between April 2021 and July 2021. This data played an integral role in developing a unique, locally informed action plan for Fisher County.
CN Texas partnered with the Texas Rural Funders, a diverse network of funders dedicated to working with rural communities to amplify opportunities and rural voices, on this project. The study has proven to be a valuable resource to help drive the effort to provide reliable, high-speed internet services in local communities.
Highlights from the survey include:
- For households that do not subscribe to home internet service, the top barrier is lack of available service, followed by cost of internet service.
- Fisher County residents pay $77.86 a month on average for home internet access.
- 85.6% of residents said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.
“Whether you’re a business owner, a rancher, a schoolteacher, or a parent, everyone needs broadband,” said Fisher County Judge Ken Holt. “Broadband contributes to scholastic achievement, economic development, and emergency preparedness. The residents of Fisher County very clearly stated their need and want for faster, reliable, yet affordable broadband.”
The Technology Action Plan that Connected Nation Texas developed for Fisher County recommends:
- Increase broadband availability and speeds in Fisher County through strategic partnerships
- Improve the digital skill set of the Fisher County workforce
- Expand public computer access in Fisher County
To view the full results of the Fisher County broadband survey, check out:
https://connectednation.org/fisher-county-texas/
“Broadband is important for so many people. I am excited that Fisher County has the results of their community broadband engagement and can begin implementing their technology action plan,” said Sierra Sees, Broadband Solutions Manager at Connected Nation Texas. “CN Texas is committed to bridging the digital divide and being a resource and partner to Fisher County.”
To date, the Connected Community Engagement Program has helped more than 650 communities with similar broadband challenges. CN Texas staff analyzed data and held meetings with community officials to determine specific community needs.
To learn more about the Connected Community Engagement Program, visit: https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/
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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.
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/