Newton County Launches Initiative to Better Understand Broadband Gaps

Newton County, MO – August 3, 2023 – Based on the recommendations of a taskforce of Newton County residents, the Newton County Commission announced its initiative to launch a county-wide Broadband Gap Study to identify community connectivity needs and gain a deeper understanding of accessibility and affordability of internet services. Given the growing importance of internet connectivity on our daily lives, results from the study will help inform Newton County to guide its future broadband strategy for helping to improve internet access and connectivity for its residents, businesses, farms, and institutions. The taskforce, with the assistance of representatives from Crowder College, has been evaluating this vital County-wide need since October 2022.
 
A critical component of the Broadband Gap Study is public input. The Newton County Commission requests the public’s assistance to spread the word about this study and provide end user experiences in connectivity. The Commission would like to understand how residents and businesses within Newton County access and use the internet and document where significant needs exist. The Commission has prepared an anonymous survey where residents and businesses are encouraged to provide insight to their current connectivity and identify future needs across the County. The survey results will be used to inform and shape the Gap Study and significantly influence decisions regarding investments to expand internet access across Newton County.
 
The Commission needs to hear from the public starting now. You can help Newton County by clicking the following links to complete a brief online survey about your internet access and be a part of the solution.
 

• Residents Click Here
• Businesses Click Here

 
For further information about Newton County’s broadband initiative, please contact [email protected].