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Hardeman County reveals broadband survey results, along with plan to make broadband accessible for all

Hardeman, Texas (May 16, 2022) – Hardeman 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 October 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. In total, 141 surveys were collected, and the results of the engagement have highlighted Hardeman 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 results provide a clear picture of the internet landscape across the county. Among other key data points, the survey found the following:


  • 12% of households subscribe to download speeds faster than 25 Mbps, the minimum required speed set forth by the Federal Communications Commission
  • 15.4% of survey respondents said internet service was not available to them
  • 15.4% of survey respondents said they lacked a computer at home
  • 8.6% of those surveyed said their smartphone was their only access to internet 


"The Connected engagement in Hardeman County revealed opportunities for the community to pursue regional networking, increase support of the Thompson Sawyer Public Library, facilitate digital skills training for residents and businesses, and mitigate service outages in the community to improve internet connectivity for all residents,” said Catherine Krantz, Broadband Solutions Manager at CN Texas. "We hope the results of this survey will give community stakeholders greater knowledge, resources, and tools for long-term broadband planning."


Based on the survey findings, the Technology Action Plan makes the following recommendations:


Goal 1: Improve internet speeds in Hardeman County.


Goal 2: Ensure that all Hardeman County residents can access the benefits of broadband, regardless of income level.


Goal 3: Ensure Hardeman County businesses have the digital literacy tools they need to succeed.


Goal 4: Mitigate the impact of internet service outages.


Goal 5: Identify funding opportunities for programs and projects that benefit Hardeman 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 Hardeman County broadband survey, visit:


https://connectednation.org/hardeman-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/