Nacogdoches County launches work to develop countywide plan for expanding internet access, improving speeds
Nacogdoches County, Texas (July 20, 2021) – The Nacogdoches County Broadband Committee has officially launched work to develop a technology action plan to expand and improve broadband (high-speed internet) access across the county. The kickoff celebration was held last night at the Nacogdoches Civic Center.
The committee, working in partnership with Connected Nation Texas, is asking every resident, business, community organization, and others to share their input through a short survey so that the plan accurately reflects the unique challenges and opportunities for expanding high-speed internet in Nacogdoches County.
“Broadband is about more than just technology. The societal impacts of broadband can be seen in every part of a community — from the economic success of a community to the health and wellbeing of residents, to the scholastic achievements of students. Ultimately, broadband is more than an internet connection,” said Nacogdoches County Judge Greg Sowell. “Broadband is a gateway to digital communication, to advanced learning platforms, to global markets, and a myriad of untapped opportunities, and Nacogdoches County is committed to expanding and improving broadband access, adoption, and use.”
The survey takes about 10 minutes to fill out and is divided by different sectors. Fill out a survey for every sector that impacts you and/or your organization: https://myconnectedcommunity.org/nacogdoches-county/.
“Nacogdoches ISD strongly supports that every student has access to broadband not just at school, but also at home. Broadband connects students to online learning tools, to teachers and administrators, and to each other,” said Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, Superintendent, Nacogdoches Independent School District. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how important online learning is to student development and scholastic achievement. With broadband comes new educational opportunities and the promise of continued innovation.”
This project is funded by the following public and private organizations: Stephen F. Austin State University, City of Nacogdoches, County of Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches ISD, Nacogdoches Economic Development Corporation, NacSpace, and Better Together, which is a community collaborative focused on improving the health, mental health, and wellbeing of all Nacogdoches County residents. Better Together’s initiatives are funded via the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health’s Collaborative Approaches to Well-Being in Rural Communities initiative.
CN Texas, leveraging its Connected Community Engagement Program, will use the data to develop a county-specific technology action plan that will include steps Nacogdoches County can take to expand broadband (high-speed internet) access, adoption, and use. The Connected program has developed more than 600 similar plans nationwide.
Visit www.connectednation.org/texas to learn more about CN Texas.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
jdenson@connectednation.org
502-341-2024
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About Connected Nation Texas: CN Texas is a local division of the national nonprofit Connected Nation, which is celebrating 20 years of service in 2021. 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.