Broadband initiative underway

By Melinda L. Lucas

With a “kickoff meeting” held last Thursday, community leaders are currently working to expand access of high speed internet in Shackelford and Throckmorton counties, with a special survey open through the end of May.

According to county judge Robert Skelton, he and other organizers are already working to obtain completed residential, business, and agriculture surveys from local residents.

“This past year has demonstrated that reliable and affordable broadband is a necessity for our schools, businesses, and local government,” said Skelton. “We need to start planning now to provide that service countywide.”

Local committee members are asking every individual, business, and community organization to take 10 minutes and fill out a survey at www.my connectedcommunity.org/shackelford-county/

Results are anticipated by August, with action plan development to follow.

The statewide effort is being led by Connected Nation Texas and funded by the Texas Rural Funders – at no cost to the counties or communities served.