Broadband survey important to county

By Staff, 11/30/21 2:43 PM

PRESCOTT – A meeting will be held at the Nevada County Library at 10 a.m. on Dec. 9 to discuss internet in Prescott and Nevada County.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, said when the pandemic hit, the federal government provided funds through the CARES Act and the American Recovery Program Act (ARPA). On the state level, she continued, it was recognized there’s a shortfall when it comes to access to the internet. The state hired a consulting group to assess each county on what internet services and providers are available and the quality of service provided. The consultants are looking at internet speeds, complaints about providers and community needs.

Once the data is compiled, it will be presented to the Arkansas Governor and state legislature for them to determine how and what kind of grants to make available for improved internet access in cities and counties throughout the state.

Godwin said this is essential for Prescott and Nevada County as it’s important to have good, reliable internet service in order to attract business and industry. At this time, though, the county is lacking where the internet is concerned, which hinders growth and progress.

Forms are available at the EDO for those interested in participating in the survey. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. The  final question, though, is important for people to answer as it involves upload and download speeds. It gives a site for people to check these speeds: http://broadbandtest.us/. The survey forms have an icon, like the one above, where people can download them with their phones.

The website to access the survey on the internet and smart phones is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/arbroadband.

Godwin said it’s important for people to fill out and submit these surveys to help get the funds to improve internet access in Prescott and Nevada County.