Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s high-speed internet needs survey was the topic of conversation during the Thursday, March 11 Washington County Commissioners’ meeting.
“We have many areas in the rural portions of the County that are not serviced, or may have poor quality service,” said County Administrator Dustin Peebles during the meeting. He added, “It’s something we’re all looking at for solutions.”
As previously reported by WACO 100, the Chamber of Commerce’s high-speed internet needs survey will help determine the specific needs of customers, both residents and businesses, who may need internet.
Sandy Mercer of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s Broadband Taskforce was present at the Commissioners’ most recent meeting; he explained that the Chamber of Commerce has received between 600 and 700 responses.
“I encourage everyone to take the survey,” said Mercer, noting that the responses help provide a better understanding of the true need in Washington County.
The plan is to take the survey responses, map them based on location, and take the responses to potential High-Speed Internet providers in order to make Washington County’s case for expansion. The survey is also needed to obtain federal and state grants which are essential in this effort.
“We need the responses; when we map it out, the responses mean a lot in whether or not we get a USDA grant,” said Mercer.
The high-speed internet needs survey is available online by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/WashHighSpeed.
For those with limited or no access to internet, the survey can be conducted over the telephone by calling the Washington County Chamber of Commerce during business hours at 478-552-3288.