King County releases results of broadband survey – announces goals and recommendations to secure internet access for community
King County, Texas (February 14, 2023) – King County, in partnership 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 in the county. King County is composed of approximately 265 residents. Of survey respondents, only 41.9% of households report having access to high-speed internet. 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 households report having a subscription to a fixed internet service, and more than three in four households report a desire for improved or additional home internet options. Households without internet access report that price was a factor. One quarter of respondents indicated that mobile internet is their primary home internet service.
"We hope the information provided in this broadband assessment survey empowers King County to work with providers to offer fixed broadband access and affordability to the community," said Pam Waggoner, CN Broadband Solutions Manager.
Chief among the goals for King County’s broadband access is to take a holistic approach to an internet connection, while ensuring that residents can adopt and use the internet to support their education, workforce, health care, and personal needs.
The Technology Action Plan recommends that King County establish a permanent broadband council to prioritize the ongoing focus on broadband improvements. Partnerships with internet service providers (ISPs) and communication with the Texas Broadband Development Office will be key to providing internet access for all.
CN Texas also recommends that King County make information available to the community regarding internet subsidy programs such as the ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) sponsored by the FCC.
The broadband engagement survey is part of the Connected Community Engagement Program administered through 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.
To view the full results of the King County broadband survey, visit:
https://connectednation.org/king-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/.