Haskell County releases broadband survey results and Technology Action Plan
Comprehensive plan will help small Texas community tackle local connectivity needs and more
Haskell County, Texas (April 29, 2022) – Haskell County, in partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas), has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and Technology Action Plan designed to increase access across the community.
From September 2021 to January 2022, residents, business owners, government leaders, first responders, ranchers, educators, and health care officials provided their feedback in an online survey as part of the Connected Community Engagement Program, which empowers local leaders and communities through collaborative, data-driven technology planning. The results of the engagement have highlighted Haskell County’s local connectivity needs and informed a comprehensive community action plan. To date, the Connected program has helped more than 650 communities across the country build comprehensive Technology Action Plans.
The broadband survey provides a clear picture of the internet landscape across the county. Among other key data points, the survey found the following:
- 61% of households in Haskell County report subscribing to fixed internet service.
- For households that do not subscribe to home internet service, the top barrier is availability.
- About one-half of employed survey respondents in Haskell County report teleworking in some capacity.
- 84.8% of residents said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.
"Haskell County prides itself on being a small, tightknit community, with thousands of acres of farmland, local attractions, good food, and even better people,” said Sierra Sees, Broadband Solutions Manager, CN Nation Texas. “But like much of rural Texas, Haskell County experiences high-speed internet struggles. Our engagement revealed important information about the connectivity needs of residents, businesses, and local organizations. While there is good adoption in the residential sector, it's important for the local infrastructure to support and facilitate community and economic development. With dedicated leaders and local data, Haskell County is poised to do great things.”
Based on the survey findings, the Technology Action Plan makes the following recommendations:
Goal 1: Bring 100/10 Mbps coverage to 100% of Haskell County residents, businesses, and community organizations.
Goal 2: Empower the Haskell County Public Library to bridge digital literacy gaps by offering community workshops for residents, businesses, and public officials in a mobile learning lab.
Goal 3: Increase broadband adoption and use among Haskell County residents by providing and promoting low and reduced-cost internet plans and subsidy programs.
Goal 4: Identify opportunities for economic advancement in Haskell County using broadband and related technologies.
This project was generously funded by the Priddy Foundation, headquartered in Wichita Falls, which supports the welfare, education, health, and growth of residents in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
To view the full results of the Haskell County broadband survey, visit:
https://connectednation.org/haskell-county-texas/.
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About Connected Nation Texas: CN Texas is a local division of the national nonprofit Connected Nation. Its 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. More information can be found at: www.connectednation.org/texas
About the Priddy Foundation: The mission of the Priddy Foundation is dedicated to the support of programs in human services, education, the arts, and health, which offer significant potential for individual development and community improvement throughout Northern Texas and Southern Oklahoma. More information can be found at: https://priddyfdn.org/