2 Central Texas Counties Look to Improve Broadband Internet Access

Throckmorton, TX – Connected Nation Texas recently visited the rolling plains of north central West Texas in Shackelford and Throckmorton counties to present a Technology Action Plan. The plan was developed from data collected during a survey of both counties conducted between February 2021 and May 2021.

The city of Albany is in Shackelford County and Throckmorton is in Throckmorton County. 

Both counties conducted comprehensive surveys of broadband technology access and adoption across the community that collected responses from 131 Shackelford County and 101 Throckmorton County households. This broadband project, in addition to twenty-six others throughout the state, was possible thanks to the Texas Rural Funders. 

Key findings from Shackelford County include: 

• 74.59% of homes do not have access to broadband.

• 48.5% of households either use non-fixed internet connections such as dial-up, satellite, and mobile-only services or are not adopting internet service at all.  

• 57% of households reported that they were dissatisfied with their current internet service. The top reasons for dissatisfaction were slow speeds and an unreliable connection.
• 93.8% of households said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.

Key findings from Throckmorton County include: 

• 28.49% of homes do not have access to broadband. 
• 26.4% of households either use non-fixed internet connections such as dial-up, satellite, and mobile-only services or are not adopting internet service at all.  
• 48% of households reported that they were dissatisfied with their current internet service. The top reasons for dissatisfaction were slow speeds and an unreliable connection.
• 90.4% of households said they would like to have improved or additional options for home internet service.

“Throckmorton County is thrilled to receive our survey results and technology action plan from Connected Nation Texas following our community survey efforts,” said Will Carroll, Mayor of Throckmorton. “It’s great to have local data supporting the need for reliable and affordable broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the community. Broadband is a necessity, not a luxury, and it’s important for residents to have access to digital resources.”

The following recommendations have been made for improving broadband access and adoption in both Shackelford and Throckmorton counties:

• Identify a single point of contact to organize and lead broadband initiatives in Throckmorton and Shackelford Counties.
• Increase broadband availability and speeds in Throckmorton and Shackelford Counties through strategic partnerships.
• Increase online engagement in Throckmorton and Shackelford Counties through free digital literacy workshops.
• Improve long-term quality of life for Throckmorton and Shackelford County residents through broadband internet offerings. 

“I appreciate everyone in Shackelford County who took the time to complete the broadband surveys. Those surveys helped us better understand your local broadband needs and wants,” said Shackelford County Judge Robert Skelton. “Now we can showcase the local feedback from residents when we meet with local organizations and broadband providers. The goal of this effort has always been to improve broadband access.”

To date, the Connected Community Engagement Program has helped more than 650 communities with similar broadband pains.

To view the full results of the Shackelford County broadband surveys, check out: www.connectednation.org/shackelford-county-texas

To view the full results of the Throckmorton County broadband surveys, check out: www.connectednation.org/throckmorton-county-texas

To learn more about the Connected Community Engagement Program, visit: https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/