Study: How wired is Jackson County?

Study: How wired is Jackson County? Main Photo

28 Mar 2015


The Jackson County Economic Alliance is plugged in to finding communication infrastructure improvements across the county. But before potential improvements come to the area, several dominoes need to fall. The first one is currently in motion.


The JCEA seeks community organizations in the county to join a working group that will conduct a countywide assessment to see how Internet service is utilized.


‘Broadband (or high-speed Internet) is a great tool, but only if you know how it can help you and if it is available,’ said Dave Heiar, JCEA director.


The JCEA is seeking information regarding Internet use in the county and how the current broadband infrastructure is utilized. Organizations in the county that use broadband service are encouraged to assist. The areas of inquiry are:

  • Broadband awareness: This includes organizations that promote and encourage the use of broadband in the community.
  • Digital literacy: What organizations provide publicly available Internet and computer training? This could include workshops, seminars and classes that are available for free or low cost to the general public.
  • Economic opportunity: Are there economic-opportunity-based applications or websites currently available in the community that are broadband based?
  • Education: These include applications used by school districts, colleges and libraries.
  • Government: This includes local government, public safety, energy and environmental organizations.
  • Healthcare: This includes hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, health departments, nursing homes and assisted care facilities.
  • Local technology providers: What businesses or organizations provide technology hardware, software or services? These include website developments, personal computer sales and support, software companies, etc.
  • Vulnerable population focus: This seeks to find organizations that help low income, disabled, senior and unemployed members of society get access to the Internet.
  • Public computer center: What organizations are providing publicly available computers with Internet access to the community? (full article…)

BY NICK JOOS, Maquoketa Sentinel Press, March 28, 2015. MSPSPORTS@MSPRESS.NET

This copyrighted material is posted with permission of Sycamore Media.

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