Press Release: Newton County Releases Broadband Feasibility Study to Improve Connectivity

Newton County, MO – The Newton County Commissioners are pleased to announce the completion of the Newton County Broadband Feasibility Study, the first step in the County’s plan to significantly improve internet connectivity across Newton County. The primary purpose of this study was to identify homes and businesses without sufficient internet connectivity, and therefore understand which areas may be eligible for federal broadband grant funding, while also quantifying the costs to implementing a broadband solution in Newton County. This comprehensive study is now available for public review.

Key Highlights of the Feasibility Study:

• There is a major discrepancy between the number of unserved potential broadband customers according to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data and the Study’s on-the-ground research. The FCC reports 739 potential broadband customers are unserved yet, based on the Study, it found that 3,254 homes and businesses have speeds less than 25/3 Mbps across Newton County highlighting that connectivity issues are more extensive than what the FCC officially recognized.
• There is County-wide dissatisfaction with current broadband options. The Study shows: 38% dissatisfied with current speeds, 47% unhappy with reliability and 50% unhappy with the value received for the price paid for broadband.
• The Study highlights a significant problem with broadband adequacy for remote work and education. A considerable percentage of the County’s population, including 46% of households with students, report that their current broadband service is not sufficient to support homework. This statistic underscores the urgency for improved broadband services to support essential activities like remote work and online learning.

The full Broadband Study is available at: https://www.newtoncountymo.com/broadband.html. We invite you to explore the findings and join us in shaping the future of broadband in Newton County. The County Commissioners welcome your feedback to the Study, which can be emailed to [email protected].