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Red River County releases results of broadband survey – puts plan in place to increase internet access and develop vibrant telehealth network

Red River County, Texas (December 6, 2022) – Red River County has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and subsequent Technology Action Plan designed to increase high-speed internet access and usage in the county.


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Red River Technology Action Plan presentation at the Clarksville City Council meeting.


The broadband engagement is part of the Connected Community Engagement Program administered through Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) and funded by Superior HealthPlan. The program 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.


Broadband surveys were completed over the past few months, and results showed that 31.2% of households in Red River County report subscribing to fixed internet service. Additionally, 59.4% of households and 75% of businesses reported being dissatisfied with their current internet service. The top reasons for dissatisfaction were slow speeds, unreliable connections, and high prices. 


“I felt the survey was quite detailed and thorough,” said Ann Rushing, Mayor of Red River County. “We look forward to continuing with the process and look forward to working with all parties involved. We thank Pam Waggoner for all her hard work.” Waggoner is a Broadband Solutions Manager for CN Texas who will continue working with county leaders to implement its Technology Action Plan.


Based on the survey findings, the Red River County Technology Action Plan includes the following recommendations:


1. Establish a permanent Technology Action Team in Red River County that can serve as the go-to point of contact for questions, meetings, and projects.

2. Promote community adoption of broadband and workforce development by offering free digital literacy and skills training to residents. Providing a comprehensive approach to digital literacy and skills training will promote broadband adoption throughout the county. 

3. Provide resources for low-cost broadband options and increase free Wi-Fi services in public areas to remove barriers to internet adoption and close the Digital Divide.

4. Improve health care outcomes by developing a vibrant telehealth network in Red River County. Ensuring that county residents can participate in and benefit from advances in telehealth should be a priority of the Technology Action Team. 


To view the full results of the Red River County broadband survey, visit:


https://connectednation.org/redriver-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 Superior HealthPlan: Superior HealthPlan provides Texas health care programs that empower families and their communities. Superior HealthPlan is committed to improving the health of the community one individual at a time through affordable and reliable health care plans. It has an approach to health care in Texas that can meet the needs of each person it serves. To learn more, visit: superiorhealthplan.com.