PORT HURON—The St. Clair County Broadband Committee has launched a new initiative to expand and improve high-speed internet access for all county residents, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and community organizations.
As part of this effort, and to ensure a plan that accurately reflects the need across the area, the committee is asking every individual, business, and community organization in the county to take 10 minutes and fill out this short survey: https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/st-clair-county/
The committee is working with Connected Nation Michigan, the state program of the national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN). The nonprofit works to expand access, adoption, and use of broadband and its related technologies to all people. The St. Clair County committee is using CN’s Connected Community Engagement Program to develop a Technology Action Plan.
“In today’s world, access to broadband internet access shouldn’t depend on where you live,” said Kevin D. Miller, Ph.D., St. Clair County RESA Superintendent. “Ninety-seven percent of people who live in urban areas have access, while only 65 percent who live in rural areas do. That’s simply not acceptable and all of us should be working together to solve that Digital Divide.”
“As a county commissioner and member of the broadband team, I urge all community leaders and citizens to become involved in the development of internet access to all parts of the county,” said Bill Gratopp, St. Clair County Board of Commissioners vice president. “With the recent pandemic to hit our area, there are more people working from home, and more students getting their education remotely. Please consider taking the survey, which will give us a better understanding of your needs.”
The Connected program has developed technology action plans for more than 350 communities, counties, and regions across the country. Each one is tailored to an area’s specific opportunities and challenges. For more details, visit https://connectednation.org/connect-my-community/
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to umprove digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. More at connectednation.org.