(409) 383-6120 info@jasperedc.com

COVID-19 Pandemic Sheds Light on the Digital Divide – Survey

Jun 29, 2020 | News

Too many people in rural East Texas do not have reliable, affordable broadband access to the internet.  The recent closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic has made this deficiency even more clear.  Many students were unable to participate as schools shifted to online programs substituting for classroom education.  Those students had to rely on lessons being physically passed on to them, either delivered by bus drivers or, visiting the school at designated times.  This “digital divide” is shortchanging our children.  Education, while important, is only one of many ways the lack of broadband adversely effects our quality of life.  Telemedicine, being relied on more during this time is not accessible to those who could really use it.  Rural-based businesses unable to reach the internet are also at a disadvantage.

At JEDCO, we have discovered that the federal government mapping of broadband availability in Jasper County is grossly inaccurate.  In order to fix this digital divide situation, planners must first understand what broadband currently exists – and where.

You can help correct this mapping problem by taking 10 minutes to answer this survey: https://www.myconnectedcommunity.org/jasper-county/

You can take this survey multiple times as different categories that may apply to you.  Thank you for participating!  For more information please attend this virtual kickoff meeting.

We will be Kicking off our Jasper County, TX Connected Community Project on-line.  Here’s the link to see it online Jasper County Kickoff

Tue, Jun 30, 2020 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (CDT)

https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/345051573

Dial-in: 571-317-3122             Access Code: 345-051-573

One-touch: tel:+15713173122,,345051573#