Stonewall County Texas

Justification: Improving connectivity requires coordination among local government, schools, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organizations. Without clear leadership and communication, efforts can become fragmented, and opportunities may be missed. Establishing shared responsibility and collaboration helps ensure that technology investments reflect local needs, support how residents live and work, and deliver tangible community benefits.

As the focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology continues to expand, a coordinated, strategic technology plan will ensure Stonewall County is equipped to leverage funding and economic development opportunities that benefit county residents.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Designate connectivity lead(s) or champions across sectors of local government and key community anchor institutions.

Stonewall County should designate one or more individuals to coordinate broadband and digital opportunity initiatives throughout the community. These leaders may work within county government or be drawn from trusted local organizations. The role focuses on coordination rather than creating a new position. Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as a point of contact for internet service providers and community partners
• Sharing information about broadband access and digital skills programs
• Coordinating efforts across county departments and community organizations
• Tracking progress on this Technology Action Plan
• Monitoring funding and partnership opportunities

2.       Build and maintain a local connectivity coalition.

The county should build or strengthen a cross-sector coalition committed to improving broadband access and digital skills. This coalition can help identify community needs, align efforts, and support outreach.

Potential partners include:

• Education and workforce organizations
• Healthcare providers
• Local businesses and agricultural partners
• Libraries, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations
• Public safety and local government

The county should also maintain relationships with regional and state broadband partners, including the Texas Broadband Development Office and the regional Council of Governments, to stay informed about programs and funding opportunities.

The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) regularly engages with local governments to keep them apprised of broadband infrastructure, adoption programs, and grants. The BDO hosts a monthly roundtable for government and community organizations on the first Thursday of each month at 10 AM CT. Full details about the BDO and its programs are available at broadbandfortexas.com. Stonewall County should also strengthen its relationship with the West Central Texas Council of Governments, which can provide additional resources and guidance on broadband and digital opportunity programming.

3.       Strengthen community outreach and information access to create an informed and engaged citizenry.

Stonewall County should make it easier for residents to find information about broadband access, digital skills training, and technology resources by using existing communication channels.

Information shared may include:

• Locations offering free public Wi-Fi
• Digital skills classes and training opportunities
• Public computer access or device lending programs

Other organizations and community anchor institutions in the area can also collaborate to share resources with the stakeholders they serve. Increasing the flow of information about broadband and related technologies will help the public understand the resources available to them. It will also allow residents to share feedback on the barriers to access they continue to face.

4.       Analyze and strengthen the local government’s digital tools and services

The county should audit its current website to understand and strengthen how information is shared online. This may include reviewing the county’s current websites, social media pages, and online tools to assess how easily residents can find timely, accurate information. Gathering feedback from community members on how they access information—and where gaps exist—can help identify opportunities for improvement. By updating content, simplifying navigation, and ensuring information is accessible across devices and in languages appropriate for its residents, the county can use digital tools more effectively to connect residents with services, programs, and community updates.

Resources

• Smart Cities Readiness Guide
• Next Century Cities Becoming Broadband Ready Toolkit
• Municipal Boards: Best Practices for Adoption Technology
• Digital.gov resources

Justification: Having broadband access is essential for communities to fully participate in the opportunities available in our AI-driven future. As noted in the Executive Summary, over 20% of homes still lack access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection. By building strong partnerships, pursuing investments in local and regional infrastructure, and maintaining key relationships with industry and regional and state broadband entities, Stonewall County can continue to close infrastructure gaps in the community.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Build and maintain relationships with local internet service providers and other digital infrastructure entities that conduct or are interested in conducting business in the County.

Stonewall County should maintain regular communication with internet service providers operating in or considering expansion in the county. Ongoing dialogue helps align provider plans with local needs and fosters collaboration.

Key activities include:

• Staying informed about planned expansions and construction timelines
• Sharing local priorities and areas of need
• Exploring public-private partnerships where appropriate
• Ensuring providers can easily access county information and points of contact

Creating a business-friendly environment with clear processes and responsive communication can help attract and support broadband investment.

2.       Monitor and pursue federal, state, and local funding opportunities to maximize investment in local broadband infrastructure projects.

Stonewall County should actively monitor federal, state, and local funding programs that support broadband infrastructure and be prepared to act when opportunities arise. This includes staying informed about application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and program priorities, and coordinating with internet service providers, regional partners, and state agencies to strengthen applications and align projects with local needs. By taking a proactive, coordinated approach to funding, the county can maximize available resources, support broadband expansion, and accelerate progress toward reliable internet access for all residents.

Several active broadband deployment initiatives are underway at the state and federal levels. While many have already awarded grants and are beginning to build networks, the county should monitor current and future funding opportunities. Current programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Bringing Online Opportunity to Texans (BOOT) Program, are deploying networks in communities across the state. Stonewall County should explore effective ways to support ISPs that are considering buildouts in the community. This may involve collaborating with and assisting ISPs seeking federal and state funding.

Additional funding sources, such as the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offer opportunities to expand broadband. Funding guides are linked in the resource section. Capitalizing on this once-in-a-generation funding opportunity will help ensure that Stonewall County residents enjoy faster and more reliable broadband for years to come.

Resources

• The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)  
• The FCC High-Cost program: CAF -ACAM
• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Allocation by County
• ARPA SLFRF, Final Rule
• BroadbandUSA: Federal Funding Guide
• Guide to Federal Broadband Funding Opportunities in the U.S.
• Lifeline Program

Justification: Access to the internet alone is not enough. Residents also need skills, devices, and support to use technology in ways that meet their needs. Strengthening digital skills helps people access education, healthcare, jobs, and services, while also supporting local businesses and community organizations.

Strategic Actions:

1.       Partner with trusted organizations to offer digital skills training.

Stonewall County should collaborate with local and regional organizations and institutions to offer free digital literacy classes that boost confidence, participation, and engagement online across the county. Equipping residents with essential digital skills to safely navigate online platforms and applications is vital to ensuring everyone in the community benefits from investments in technology and digital infrastructure. As technology continues to evolve, introductory training on basic artificial intelligence (AI) tools—such as how AI can support job searches, learning, and everyday tasks—should also be included to help residents use emerging technologies responsibly and effectively.

Curriculum can be drawn from county-developed materials and trusted, publicly available resources. Classes may be hosted in familiar accessible locations such as schools, libraries, churches, community centers, or other shared spaces, and promoted through local media and community networks. Building digital skills helps residents access education, healthcare, employment, and civic information, while also strengthening the county. A more digitally connected and informed population supports economic growth, improves service delivery, and enhances overall community resilience.

Workshop topics can include:

• Computer and internet basics
• How to teleconference
• Internet safety basics
• Mobile device basics
• Microsoft Office skills
• Intro to social media and website building
• Telehealth basics
• Platform or application-specific basics, including ones used by the county, school district, or local hospital/clinic
• AI basics

Connected Nation provides digital literacy training classes to Connected Communities free of charge. To learn more, reach out to us today!

2.       Explore device access programs and partnerships to expand household device access and access to public computing centers.

Residents need access to devices to take advantage of increased internet connectivity and the opportunities available online. Data from the American Community Survey indicate that many residents, especially seniors, do not have a computer at home or subscribe to the internet. A high-quality device is essential for completing schoolwork, applying for a job, accessing a telehealth appointment, or upskilling for new economic opportunities. The county can explore ways to increase access to devices. This may include refurbishment programs, where donated devices are updated and redistributed.

For residents without a device in their household or access to a high-speed internet connection, public computing centers are a lifeline to connectivity. Local institutions, including schools and libraries, can make available computers for public use, allowing residents access to a device and an internet connection. Many organizations have explored acquiring devices and hotspots for residents to borrow for periods of time to access the internet in their homes.

3.       Determine how to expand access to the internet and free Wi-Fi in public spaces and within community anchor institutions.

Survey data indicates that a high number of Stonewall County residents lack an internet subscription at home. The county and local community anchor institutions should catalogue and promote places where people can access the internet through public Wi-Fi or public computing stations. Places like the library, school district, government buildings, and local businesses all may have Wi-Fi available for residents to use. The county should also explore ways to expand this access in buildings and open spaces within the county.

Resources

• Connected Nation Digital Literacy Workshops
• Digital Learn – Free courses to learn anything about computers
• Digital Literacy Curriculum for K-12
• Free Applied Digital Skills – Google for Education
• Live, Virtual Classes for Seniors
• AARP Joins Nonprofit to teach tech to older adults
• The complete guide to digital skills
• Grow with Google
• Cybersecurity courses
• NDIA Honor Roll of Low Cost Plans
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency - Cyber Resource Hub
•  Connected Nation Cybersecurity Workshops

Justification: Broadband access plays a critical role in community development, influencing outcomes in healthcare, education, workforce readiness, business growth, public safety, and economic development. Securing additional funding to support the recommendations in this plan will help accelerate digital adoption, strengthen local programs, and ensure that investments in connectivity yield long-term benefits for Stonewall County residents.

Strategic Action:

Pursue grants to advance local community development using broadband technologies (e.g., workforce development, telehealth, digital literacy, etc.).

Stonewall County should leverage the dedicated grant-writing resources available through the Connected Engagement program and coordinate with the connectivity lead and local partners to identify, pursue, and align funding opportunities across sectors. By taking a proactive, coordinated approach to grant pursuit, the county can maximize available resources, unlock new funding streams, and sustain progress toward closing the Digital Divide.

For example, local schools may consider opportunities through the U.S. Department of Education, libraries may consider grants through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Chamber of Commerce may consider opportunities through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). For specifics and further information about the grant-writing funds, please contact Connected Nation.