County Executive Lamont G. McClure announces that Northampton County has contracted with Design Nine, Inc. of Blacksburg, VA to provide a broadband study and is asking for public participation to help facilitate the study.

Design Nine will analyze existing broadband assets in the county including those offered by local telecom service providers, cable companies and government organizations that provide communications services through schools and first responders. The company will analyze the types of broadband services available, broadband use patterns, gaps in existing coverage, and make recommendations to the County as to how to improve service.

“We know that access to affordable broadband will often be the difference between success and failure for our residents and businesses in the 21st century economy” said County Executive Lamont McClure.

A key part of the Design Nine data collection process is a public survey from both businesses and residents regarding their current broadband connections. Residential and business surveys will be made available to the public at select locations throughout the county, the U.S. Mail, as well as online via social media and the web. These surveys will provide detailed broadband usage and coverage data needed to complete the study.

The survey collection period will run through April 17, 2023 and a survey report will be prepared for review shortly thereafter. The study will serve to guide the implementation of a modern broadband network for the county. The study will serve as a detailed guide for engineering and communications construction firms that might be selected to design and construct a 21st century network.

The lack of adequate broadband access is a predominant concern for agriculture, education, tourism, and manufacturing as well as emerging industries such as life sciences, technology, and health services. The data gathered will provide the knowledge needed to help local leaders and stakeholders make prudent decisions about the next steps required to expand broadband access in Northampton County.

The online survey may be found at:
https://tinyurl.com/NorthamptonResidential
https://tinyurl.com/northampton-business
https://www.facebook.com/CountyExecutiveLamontMcClure/

Information provided to TVL by:
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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