Community survey data helps drive broadband expansion in Jack County
Jack County, Texas (November 4, 2021) – Jack County recently conducted a survey to evaluate the community’s broadband access, adoption, and use rates. In partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas), the survey ran from April 2021 through July 2021. In total, the community collected surveys from eight different community sectors including responses from 287 households, 34 businesses, and three healthcare facilities. To highlight key findings from across the county and recommended next steps, CN Texas created a community action plan and interactive map.
Funding for this project was provided by the Texas Rural Funders, a diverse network of funders dedicated to working with rural communities to amplify opportunities and rural voices. The survey has proven to be a valuable resource to help drive the effort to provide reliable, high-speed internet services in the area.
Highlights from the survey include:
- For households that said they do not subscribe to home internet service, the top barrier is the lack of available service, followed by cost of internet service
- Respondents indicate that, on average, their internet connection costs about $76.73 per month
- 65% of residents and 64% of businesses report being dissatisfied with their current internet service
- The top reasons for dissatisfaction were slow speeds and unreliable connections
- More than 9 out of 10 residents say they would like improved or additional options for home internet service
"The Connected Community Program has helped 650 communities across the country and across the great State of Texas. We are now adding Jack County to the ever-growing list of communities who are tackling the digital divide," said Sierra Sees, Broadband Solutions Manager, Connected Nation Texas. "Broadband helps students achieve new academic merits, drives job creation, and contributes to community development. Broadband is the new frontier for innovation and opportunity. Thanks to community-wide survey efforts, Jack County has locally sourced data from residents, businesses, and community institutions that will help them in their broadband expansion and improvement endeavors."
The Technology Action Plan that Connected Nation Texas developed for Jack County recommends:
- Increase online engagement in Jack County through free digital literacy and communication workshops
- Increase broadband availability and speeds in Jack County through strategic partnerships
- Promote low-cost broadband offerings for vulnerable populations
To view the full results of the Jack County broadband survey, check out:
https://connectednation.org/jack-county-texas/
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/