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Link Up Lawrence
Broadband Program
Lawrence County is excited to launch Link Up Lawrence, an initiative that will evaluate the availability and quality of broadband internet within the county.
Please take this seven-minute survey and speed test.
Link Up Lawrence
Broadband Program
Lawrence County is excited to launch Link Up Lawrence, an initiative that will evaluate the availability and quality of broadband internet within the county.
Please take this seven-minute survey and speed test.
About the Survey
Your Lawrence County Commissioners want to hear from you!
Lawrence County has launched a comprehensive study of the county’s current internet infrastructure with the goal of broadband expansion. All residents are being asked to complete this brief online survey so that officials can better understand residents’ internet needs and challenges. The more residents who take the survey, the more complete the understanding of the county’s strengths and weaknesses.
The survey also hosts an internet speed test that will pinpoint the exact speeds of service at your location.
Together, the results will provide critical data in creating a roadmap to help secure state and federal funding opportunities. It will also help inform county officials on how best to deploy funds within the county to improve the quality, availability, and adoption of high-speed internet.
What is Broadband?
Broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than traditional dial-up. Broadband internet can be delivered through multiple technologies, like fiber optic cables, fixed antenna, satellite, mobile, or cable modem.
Other Common Broadband Terms
Unserved:
Locations with no access to wired internet service at speeds that meet the FCC threshold of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
Underserved:
Locations where internet services meets or exceeds the FCC threshold but without access to speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
Mbps:
Megabits per second refers to the upload and download speeds used to measure the file size of data transferred per second over a channel.
Bandwidth:
The volume of information that can be transferred over an internet connection in a specified amount of time.
Download Speed:
The rate that data or information can be received by a user’s computer or device from the internet.
Upload Speed:
The rate that data or information is transferred from a user’s computer or device to the internet.
Why is Broadband Important?
Across every demographic segment, people are utilizing more and more applications that require increasing amounts of bandwidth, like streaming entertainment and real-time video applications for education, employment, and telemedicine. We are still in the early lifecycle of internet video streaming and usage is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades.
That’s where the internet is headed, yet there are still parts of Lawrence County where people struggle to connect to the internet for basic functions such as internet browsing and online banking. Some locations may not event be able to connect at all.
And it’s not just an individual issue. Communities as a whole are only able to thrive with reliable broadband infrastructure. Here’s why:
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Why is Your Participation Important?
COVID-19 made clear what we have known for years – internet access is not a luxury. It is a necessity, like any other utility.
Website, streaming, videoconferencing, cloud services and even telephone are just a few examples of content that relies on local broadband networks. The quality of this content depends on the reliability and the type of infrastructure available. High-speed broadband results in faster, more reliable services in all capacities. Conversely, infrastructure built on aging technologies such as copper result is slower, less reliable services.
From the Commissioners
“Let’s make this clear, broadband is a necessity just like electricity or water. We can’t afford the economic repercussions of having our residents and businesses go without. This survey will help inform our strategy in getting affordable, reliable high-speed internet access to the underserved and unserved in our county who need it most.”
“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it's that families and individuals with broadband internet have opportunities far beyond their peers who are lacking. Upgrading our infrastructure will ensure Lawrence County residents are able to thrive in a modern world.”
"If Lawrence County is to remain competitive in attracting new business, we must improve broadband access. Students need to rely on the internet for education, jobseekers for employment opportunities, seniors for life-saving services, and businesses for commerce. Our residents can help the future prospects of our county by taking this seven-minute survey.”
FAQ
Is the information I provide in the survey safe?
Yes, the information you provide will be secure. All information gathered will be used exclusively for broadband planning purposes and never sold.
What is broadband?
Broadband allows users to connect to the internet at significantly higher speeds than those with traditional dial-up services.
What should I do if I have issues with this website?
Please try refreshing the browser. If you still experience difficulties, try visiting the survey link from a different browser like Firefox or Chrome.
When might I expect to see faster internet speeds in my neighborhood?
Once funding is secure, county officials will work to identify Early Action Project areas as well as to develop a schedule for the remaining areas of the county. Join the Lawrence County broadband email list below to receive the latest information on broadband expansion, and be the first to know when high-speed internet is coming to your area!
Can I take this survey and speed test on my cellphone?
For an accurate reading of the internet service being delivered to your home, we request you complete the survey while using a device connected to your home internet service.
My neighbors aren’t online because they have no service available. Can they still participate?
Yes! If no service is available at your location, please use our paper survey to have your voice heard.
Will the results of this survey be made public?
Yes. As a whole, the results of the Lawrence County Broadband Program survey and speed test will be made available via an official county report later this year.
When does the survey end?
The survey is only open until April 28, 2023 so please take the survey today and share with friends, family, and neighbors.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Questions or concerns can be sent to feedback@LinkUpLawrence.com or call 724-495-4302.
We know you have questions. If you don’t find an answer below, please send us a message using the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page.
Sign Up for Project Updates
Sign up below to receive the latest updates on Lawrence County broadband improvements.
Contact Us
We’re here to help. Feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns, and we’ll make every effort to respond in a timely manner.