Community survey to look at broadband service

County working with nonprofits to evaluate internet service concerns

Berks County is looking for feedback from residents as part of an investigation into the availability and affordability of broadband service.

The commissioners have launched an online survey to review overall broadband accessibility throughout the county. The survey is part of a larger initiative involving the county and several community organizations to ensure that all residents have access to fast, affordable and reliable internet service to help bridge the digital divide.

Stephanie Weaver, public relations officer for the county, announced Monday that expanding broadband access is a multiple stage process that begins with accurately identifying areas within Berks that have unreliable, inadequate or no internet access at all.

She said the commissioners believe it is important to hear directly from residents and businesses about any coverage gaps they are experiencing and collect information about service costs and quality.

To gather this information, the county has launched a two-part broadband survey.

The first part of the survey asks about current internet needs and satisfaction with service. The second part features a test that measures the actual strength of the connection used to complete the survey.

The survey can be found at countyofberks.com/ broadband.

Weaver said the information collected through the survey as well as data collected from broadband providers will help to create a clearer picture of local services. The county has also hired an independent contractor to provide broadband consulting services and conduct a network feasibility study to aid the county in its application for state and federal dollars to improve access and availability.

The initiative comes on the heels of the passage of a $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill last fall, which includes a heavy investment in the country’s broadband infrastructure. Pennsylvania will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to Pennsylvanians who lack it.

The county has entered partnerships with the following community organizations in the initiative:

• Berks Alliance

• Berks County Community Foundation

• Berks County Intermediate Unit

• City of Reading

• Penn State Health St. Joseph hospital

• Reading Public Library

• Reading School District

• United Way of Berks County

• UPMC For You Health Plan

• Wyomissing Foundation