Foard County releases results of broadband study, identifies affordability concerns
Foard County, Texas (October 10, 2022) – Foard County, in collaboration with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas), has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and subsequent Technology Action Plan designed to increase high-speed internet access and usage. This countywide broadband engagement was graciously funded by The Priddy Foundation.
Earlier this year, Foard County asked residents, businesses, and institutions to complete surveys as part of the Connected Community Engagement Program, which empowers local leaders and communities through collaborative, data-driven technology planning. To date, the Connected Engagement 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:
- 99.6% of Foard County households have access to internet service with 100/10 Mbps speeds.
- However, only 28% of responding households subscribe to the internet with speeds faster than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
The FCC currently defines broadband (high-speed internet) as speeds higher than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload (25/3). Speeds necessary to run most modern applications, and use more than a few devices at a time, are 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload (100/10).
Based on the survey findings, the Foard County Technology Action Plan includes the following recommendations:
Goal 1: Increase access to affordable high-speed internet within Crowell city limits and across Foard County.
Goal 2: Increase broadband adoption to improve business and economic development in Foard County.
Goal 3: Ensure that the 3 Rivers Foundation Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus (CSAC) has access to internet that meets its needs.
Goal 4: Identify funding opportunities for programs and projects using broadband and related technologies that benefit Foard County.
"Low adoption rates are often related to the affordability of internet service or devices, lack of digital skills, or a low value placed on internet access," said CN Texas Broadband Solutions Manager Catherine Krantz. "When high-speed internet is available, but people are not signing up, you have to ask why? In Foard County, affordability seems to be the biggest concern, with 66.7% of survey respondents saying they did not have broadband at home because it was too expensive."
To view the full results of the Foard County broadband survey, visit:
https://connectednation.org/foard-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.
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.