Rural areas across the nation are in need of the latest broadband internet technology and communication technologies. West Central Texas is no exception. Vital to economic development, the WCTEDD sought to begin preliminary investigation into communication status in the area. Further investigation and evaluation is needed to ensure that detailed and specific recommendations are developed to identify the communication needs of the region. Once rectified, enhanced emergency response for residents, increased levels of economic development, educational access benefit from a level communication and technology playing field.
The West Central Texas Economic Development District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Survey highlighted important considerations for communication in the area. Broadband internet service remains an issue in some of the remote areas of the region. When queried if the respondent’s community had broadband internet services, 79.4% indicated yes, 13.2% indicated no and 7.4% was uncertain. This lack of connectivity throughout the region will remain a significant barrier to continued economic development until this issue is resolved.
Emergency and business services rely on voice-over IP telephone connectivity to keep service connections current and up to date. Several areas of the region are without this vital technology; 32.4% of the respondents indicated that voice over IP was available, 17.6% were aware of its unavailability in their community and 50% of the respondents were uncertain. Voice over IP technology procurement must be updated throughout the region for business connectivity and vital emergency services and also to spur economic development throughout the region.
Instant emergency communication via networking capabilities is only available in 47.1% of the region. Respondents (36.8%) indicated that there was no emergency communication network available in their region. Again, the concerns for resident well being and continued economic expansion in these areas are heightened.
The West Central Texas Economic Development District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Survey highlighted important considerations for communication in the area. Broadband internet service remains an issue in some of the remote areas of the region. When queried if the respondent’s community had broadband internet services, 79.4% indicated yes, 13.2% indicated no and 7.4% was uncertain. This lack of connectivity throughout the region will remain a significant barrier to continued economic development until this issue is resolved.
Emergency and business services rely on voice-over IP telephone connectivity to keep service connections current and up to date. Several areas of the region are without this vital technology; 32.4% of the respondents indicated that voice over IP was available, 17.6% were aware of its unavailability in their community and 50% of the respondents were uncertain. Voice over IP technology procurement must be updated throughout the region for business connectivity and vital emergency services and also to spur economic development throughout the region.
Instant emergency communication via networking capabilities is only available in 47.1% of the region. Respondents (36.8%) indicated that there was no emergency communication network available in their region. Again, the concerns for resident well being and continued economic expansion in these areas are heightened.