Data shows lack of broadband access

By Donnie A. Lucas

Results of a broadband survey conducted in the spring were released in September with data providing access to government programs to improve internet service and speeds available in Shackelford County.

The survey was conducted by Connected Nation Texas, a non-profit company, and paid for by Texas Rural Funders at no cost to the county.

The results indicated that only 25 percent of county households have access to internet services  service of 25 Mbps, which is what the FCC defines as broadband internet. Statewide, 96.5 percent of households in Texas have broadband access.

Both the lack of available service and cost of broadband services were listed as the top barriers for local consumers.

Likewise, almost two out of three customers stated they were dissatisfied with their current internet service due to slow speeds and unreliable connectivity, according to the survey.

Almost 94 percent of households surveyed said they wanted improved or additional home internet services, including faster speeds.

The report also stated that Resound Networks of Pampa, Texas had a Phase I Auction Bid paid for by the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund for a total of $668,932.50 to provide connectivity to 539 locations in the county.

Nextlink won the bid to provide three locations at a cost of $13,150.

The report strongly recommends that the county take ownership and control of broadband decisions by appointing a broadband liaison that is knowledgeable on broadband matters  to coordinate various levels of improvement to the broadband infrastructure, as well as deal with internet providers (ISPs).

“The survey results showed that Shackelford County is underserved,” county judge Robert Skelton said. “Resound Networks has already been awarded a large amount to provide broadband infrastructure over a 10-year period,” the judge said. “They are already working on a plan, but we don’t have any details yet about when it will be rolled out.”

An attempt to contact Resound Networks for more information and a time line was not answered at press time.

Resound’s website lists several levels of internet speed ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps at prices ranging from $39.95 per month to $99 per month that is available for retail residential customers. Business rates are also available.

Other providers would have the benefit of upgrading services as well when the infrastructure is improved.

Skelton said that Resound would provide a line-of-sight direct radio wave with the communication tower located on One-Mile Hill, which is the same type service that Wes-Tex Connect and other companies provide.

The bulk of the money would be spent on upgrading infrastructure to handle the amount of internet traffic at greatly increased speeds.