EASTON, Pa. - Northampton County is taking action to address the issue of access to reliable and affordable broadband.
- Northampton County is working to address the issue of broadband internet access in the county
- A study will look into the county's existing broadband assets, identify gaps in coverage and make recommendations to improve the service
- The lack of adequate broadband access is a significant concern for some
County Executive Lamont McClure announced in a news release Wednesday that the county has contracted with Design Nine, Inc., a company in Blacksburg, VA, to conduct a comprehensive broadband study and gather public input through a survey.
Design Nine, Inc. provides technology advice and services to community, business, and public clients and handles the design, construction, and operation of open access broadband networks.
The study will look into Northampton County's existing broadband assets, including those offered by local telecom service providers, cable companies and government organizations that provide communication services through schools and first responders.
The goal, according to McClure, is to identify gaps in existing coverage and make recommendations 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,” McClure said.
As part of the study, Design Nine will conduct a public survey to collect data on the county's broadband usage and coverage. Residential and business surveys will be available at select locations throughout the county, as well as online via social media and the Design Nine website. The survey collection period will run through April 17, 2023.
The survey report will be prepared for review shortly after the survey collection period ends. 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 that meets the county's broadband needs.
The lack of adequate broadband access, McClure said, is a significant concern for agriculture, education, tourism, and manufacturing, as well as emerging industries such as life sciences, technology, and health services.
The study's findings aim to help local leaders and stakeholders make informed decisions about the next steps required to expand broadband access in Northampton County.
The online survey for residents is available here, while the survey for businesses can be found here.
