How’s Your Internet Connection? Lake County Launches New Effort to Expand Broadband Access
Lake County, Mich. (October 29, 2020) – The Lake County Broadband Committee has launched a new initiative to help expand and improve high-speed internet (broadband) access for all county residents, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations. The county will leverage the Connected Community Engagement Program, in partnership with Connected Nation (CN), to develop a Technology Action Plan that addresses the area’s unique broadband needs.
“We in Lake County must work together to provide our families and businesses with access to the critical resources and information they need,” said Larry Lewis, Lake County Internet Champion. “This work begun in 2014 has been so important in expanding and improving internet services in Lake County. We must provide the means for all our children to learn, whether from home or in the classroom. The information superhighway must have an off-ramp so our small businesses can thrive by connecting to the global market. Access to quality internet provides our community and public safety organizations the ability to easily reach and respond to the needs of residents no matter where they live in the county.”
As part of this effort and to ensure a plan that accurately reflects the need across the area, the committee is asking every individual, business, and community organization in the county to take 10 minutes and fill out this short survey: https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/lake-county-1/.
Simply choose the area you’re providing information on and answer the questions. The survey looks at residential, community organizations, schools, health care, and more.
“Telehealth has played an important role in keeping Munson Healthcare patients and providers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we expect it will play an important role in healthcare going forward,” said Chelsea Szafranski, System Director, Digital Health, Munson Healthcare. “Telehealth has the ability to reduce travel time for patients and make care more easily accessible. Reliable broadband access is a necessity for telehealth. Munson Healthcare is excited to work with Connect Michigan and Lake County to evaluate opportunities and improve access to broadband.”
“Adequate and affordable internet access is critical to our efforts to strengthen and grow Lake County’s economy. Now more than ever, our local businesses rely on online marketing, sales and services to succeed,” shared Jodi Nichols,Business Development Coordinator for Lake County. “Participating in this community assessment survey is a first step in bringing expanded broadband services to the area. Please take a moment to give your input at www.2020LakeCounty.com.”
The Connected program has developed Technology Action Plans for more than 350 communities, counties, and regions across the country. Each one is tailored to an area’s specific opportunities and challenges. For more details, head to https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
502-341-2024
jdenson@connectednation.org
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About Connected Nation Michigan: CN Michigan is a local division of the national nonprofit Connected Nation. Our 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.organd follow Connected Nation on Facebookand Twitter.