Young County broadband survey results released

Results of an online broadband assessment by Connected Nation Texas (CN Texas) for Young County were recently released. At the end of January, the Young County Broadband Committee and CN Texas announced the launch of the online broadband assessment.

Between January and April, Young County conducted a comprehensive study of broadband access and adoption across the community, with responses from 229 households. CN Texas staff additionally met with community officials to determine community needs and gathered data for the study.

The survey data was used to develop a plan customized for the county’s high-speed internet needs. The plan utilizes community resources and determines solutions for improving broadband connectivity for families, businesses and community organizations.

CN Texas recommended establishing central leadership in the county and a tool for economic and community development. The Broadband Council for the county would be used to stay on top of state, local and federal movement regarding broadband, federal grant programs and more, such as staying up to date with federal broadband legislation.

The organization recommended the Broadband Council to have a main point person who will stay up to date on broadband policy news, new construction projects in the region, new laws and funding opportunities.

The second goal the organization recommended is to increase broadband access and reliability across the county. CN Texas said to maintain open communication and positive relations with internet service providers (ISPs) working the county and those that have plans to work in the county.

Part of the second goal is to create a county-level broadband resource website for broadband providers, community residents and local leaders.

The third goal is to increase the broadband adoption and usage rate among Young county residents by promoting reduced-cost internet plans and subsidy programs. Thirty-three percent of survey respondents said they did not subscribe to a broadband service due to the expense of the service.

The final goal was to ensure that county residents and businesses have access to digital literacy to improve outcomes in business, public safety, workforce readiness and quality of life.

From survey respondents, 62.4% of households in Young County report subscribing to fixed internet service, with the top barrier for those not subscribed being broadband service availability and the cost of service. A total of 81.8% of households in the county have access to internet service at speeds needed to run many modern applications (100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream).

According to the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Map, initially released in June 2022, 84.45% of Young County households have access to broadband of at least 25/3 Mbps.

Half of the employed survey respondents in the county reported teleworking in some capacity, with 45% of those teleworking every day and 26% teleworking at least once per week.

Fewer than two out of five households surveyed, or 38.5%, and more than one out of four businesses, or 28.6%, reported being dissatisfied with their current internet service. The top reasons were slow speeds, unreliable connections and high prices.

Approximately 77.8% of households said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.

Respondents stated that on average their internet connection costs about $78.44 per month. According to CN Texas, this is slightly lower than the monthly cost paid in other communities of $79.45.

Roughly seven out of 10 households, or 69.9%, reported they also subscribe to a mobile internet service via a smartphone or similar mobile device. According to CN Texas, this is slightly higher than in other communities which was reported at 68.5%.

Connected Nation is a nonprofit organization working to develop and provide tools, resources and methods to help local communities, state and federal agencies create and implement solutions for gaps in high-speed internet and digital technology. CN Texas seeks to increase the adoption and use of high-speed internet and related technologies for all people.

An interactive map of the county’s broadband data is available online.