County urges residents to take internet survey

Published 11:09 am Monday, November 16, 2020

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Stanly County government is urging citizens to participate in a recently launched broadband survey to help get a better picture of the broadband/high-speed internet issues in the community.

“Prior to COVID-19 Stanly County had broadband and high-speed internet accessibility challenges. However, COVID-19 has changed the landscape even further. Thus, it is critically important we attempt to identify coverage gaps, assess who has and who does not have access to technology and evaluate opportunities for additional digital literacy in our community,” said County Manager Andy Lucas. “Accessible and reliable high-speed internet is now critical given students, parents and teachers are being asked to work and learn remotely. Additionally, high-speed internet access helps health care become more efficient and less expensive which is vitally important given our aging community.”

The five-minute survey was created in collaboration with Broadband Catalysts. The survey can be taken online for users with Internet access and by a mobile phone for users without home or work based internet service. For those with no internet
access at home, work or via a mobile phone, the survey can be taken at one of the five library branch locations in Stanly County. Stanly County has branch libraries in Albemarle, Badin, Norwood, Locust and Oakboro.

The survey data will help guide funding opportunities, inform research and policy recommendations and support the business case for the either expansion of broadband services by existing providers or to encourage new providers to enter the market.

To access the online survey, visit: stanly.broadbandanalyzer.com/.
Residents without internet service at home can take the survey via their mobile phone or at one of the five library locations.