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Hardin County has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and Technology Action Plan designed to increase high-speed internet access across the community.
By Dannie Oliveaux
HARDIN COUNTY — In partnership with Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) and the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC), Hardin County has released the results of a comprehensive broadband survey and Technology Action Plan designed to increase high-speed internet access across the community.
From February to March 2022, residents, business owners, government leaders, first responders, ranchers, educators, and health care officials provided their feedback in an online survey as part of the Connected Community Engagement Program, which empowers local leaders and communities through collaborative, data-driven technology planning. The results of the engagement have highlighted Hardin County’s local connectivity needs and informed a comprehensive community action plan. To date, the Connected program has helped more than 650 communities across the country build Technology Action Plans.
The broadband survey provides a clear picture of the internet landscape across the county. Among other key data points, the survey found the following:
• Like many communities, lack of broadband availability and the cost of the internet service are the primary barriers to adoption.
• More than 9 out of 10 households (95.4 percent) said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.
• A little more than 80 percent of households have access to speeds of 100 Mbps download/10 Mbps upload, which is considered necessary to run modern-day applications.
Based on the survey findings, the Technology Action Plan makes the following six recommendations:
• Prioritize local leadership in Hardin County for expansion of broadband access, adoption, and sustainability
• Track state and federal broadband funding as it becomes available to stay current with opportunities
• Eliminate barriers to broadband access
• Increase the digital presence of public libraries in Hardin County
• Increase broadband adoption and use in Hardin County to increase the county’s digital capacity
• Compare the cost of internet services for school districts in Hardin County
“There was outstanding participation by the citizens, businesses and schools in Hardin County, and as a result, our report was the first completed in the SETX region, and was presented on May 10,” said County Judge Wayne McDaniel.
Broadband access refers to the infrastructure that enables a high-speed internet connection. There are two primary types of broadband connections: fixed and mobile.
Fixed broadband is delivered to a user via several technology platforms including cable, digital subscriber line (DSL) over phone lines, fiber optics, and fixed wireless. Fixed broadband is designed for stationary use at a fixed location such as a home, business, or institution. From one location, however, fixed broadband service is often broadcast as a Wi-Fi network to connect nearby devices.
McDaniel thanked Bob Dickinson with SETRPC for spearheading the effort, along with Executive Director Sonja Kelley, Silsbee Chamber of Commerce; Katie Pace, Hardin County AgriLife Extension Agent; and Tammy Goodman with Hardin County AgriLife Extension Services, for the hard work getting the word out to as many people as possible, and for helping those without online access with completion of a paper survey.
He noted Pam Waggoner with Connection Nation worked with everyone here to ensure that the county has a complete and accurate picture of broadband service throughout our county, and for reporting what is needed to increase this essential service to all residents, businesses, schools, and agricultural interests in Hardin County.
This project was sponsored by the SETRPC, with funding provided by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) CARES Act Recovery Assistance.