Montague County releases results of broadband survey — increased service options and affordable access among recommendations
Montague County, Texas (February 20, 2023) – Montague County, located in north central 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. The survey was conducted in partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas). Findings from the comprehensive survey show that while 90.4% of households have access to internet service, adoption rates remain at only 53.8%. Additionally, for households that do not subscribe to home internet service, the top barriers are lack of broadband service availability and the cost of service.
The Federal Communications Commission (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).
“Although I was somewhat disappointed with the lack of responses by our residents, we had responses from all around the county,” said Charles Lanier, Montague County FEMA Coordinator. “I think we ended up with a fair representation of service availability.”
Based on the survey findings, the Montague County Technology Action Plan recommends that county leaders assist low-income residents by removing barriers to internet access and adoption. The full plan, including details on additional recommendations, can be found here: https://connectednation.org/montague-county-texas/.
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.
“Connected Nation was great to work with,” Lanier added. “They were responsive to every need and kept us informed through the entire process.”
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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.
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit: connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.
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/.