Cottle County releases results of broadband survey, announces recommendations to secure internet access for community
Cottle County, Texas (February, 14 2023) – Cottle 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. The broadband engagement is part of the Connected Community Engagement Program administered through Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) and funded by the Priddy Foundation. 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.
“I hope to learn from the survey the needs of Cottle County and its residents when it comes to broadband services,” said Cottle County Judge Karl Holloway.
Broadband surveys were completed during the fall of 2022, and results showed that 89% of households have lower-than-average access to internet speeds. The FCC 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).
Seventy-five percent of survey respondents in Cottle County report subscribing to fixed internet service. For households that do not subscribe to home internet service, the top barrier is the cost of service. The average monthly cost of internet in Cottle County is $79.02 which is higher than the average in other Connected communities. Two percent of monthly income is a recognized standard for measuring the affordability of a home intent connection. Two percent of the median household income in Cottle County is $67.08 per month, making the cost of internet unaffordable for many residents.
About 3 out of 4 respondents (75.8%) indicate that they are interested in additional internet choices for their home.
Technology Action Plan recommends that Cottle County establish countywide broadband leadership and increase buy-in among community stakeholders. Having a Broadband Council that represents key community and sector partners will allow the county to stay informed of key broadband efforts and opportunities.
The plan also recommends that the county work to ensure that residents and businesses have the necessary digital literacy skills to navigate the internet and take advantage of applications that support their education, health, and workforce needs.
To view the full results of the Cottle broadband survey, visit: https://connectednation.org/cottle-county-texas/.
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/.