By Snohomish County Government | Press Release
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash, March 24, 2021 – This morning, The Snohomish County Executive and County Council adopted Joint Resolution #21-007, declaring March 29 through April 2, 2021 as “Broadband Access Week” in Snohomish County.
The goal of Broadband Access Week is to increase public awareness of broadband needs and to increase responses to the broadband access and speed survey in Snohomish County. The survey, hosted by the Washington State Broadband Office in the Department of Commerce, maps survey responses to identify areas of the county with broadband access at adequate, inadequate, or no service levels.
The survey can be found at this link.
“This year we have seen how our economy, health, education, and our very future depends on reliable broadband access,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “By encouraging people to take the broadband access survey, we will have a better idea of where resources need to be focused to ensure both our urban and rural communities have access to this critical infrastructure. Snohomish County wants to see more accessible and more reliable broadband in every corner of the county.”
Broadband Access Week is part of a broader campaign by the Snohomish County Broadband Action Team (BAT) to expand broadband access to all residents and businesses in the county. The BAT has been spearheaded by Executive Somers, Councilmember Nehring, and Councilmember Low in partnership with community leaders from business, education, healthcare, service providers, first responders, and local government. To learn more about the BAT, visit [webpage address]
“For those areas of the county where broadband access is either limited or non-existent, we will continue to champion solutions,” said Councilmember Nate Nehring. “Our partnership with the state’s Office of Broadband Access affords us an opportunity to make our case at the local, state and federal levels for more resources to help us get broadband into the hands of more people, particularly in our rural communities.”
“I am pleased to work with Executive Somers and Councilmember Nehring to highlight broadband access as a top priority for our county’s rural residents,” said Councilmember Sam Low. “Broadband access and improved speed are vital needs for many, and communities across my district will benefit from this work. We are closely collaborating with local stakeholders to make sure this survey is shared throughout the community.”
“We have learned over the past year that broadband access equates to the health and education of our residents,” said Council Chair Stephanie Wright. “We must ensure everyone in the county, whether in our urban cores or our rural expanses, can get a job, stay healthy, and go to school. Improved broadband access will do just that.”
“Our community is stronger when we all have equitable access to reliable, timely, and relevant information,” said Council Vice Chair Megan Dunn. “Improving broadband access will improve equity across the county. I encourage all of our residents to take part in the survey and help us make the case for better access.”
“Whether you live in an urban, suburban or rural part of the county, you should be able to expect reliable broadband service,” said Councilmember Jared Mead. “Our experience during the pandemic has made it only more obvious that improving broadband access will help us improve our economy, education system, and opportunity.”
For additional information about the Snohomish County Broadband Action Team, go here.
Author: Mario Lotmore
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