FUNDING FOR BROADBAND IS IN!
Help us identify the areas that need internet access by taking the survey.
About the Survey
Your Somerset County Commissioners want to hear from you!
Somerset County has launched a comprehensive study that will help identify internet needs in each community. The results of the study will position the County to best apply for available federal funding and invest in high-speed broadband internet infrastructure where it’s needed the most.
All Somerset County residents and business owners are being asked to participate in this brief seven-minute survey and speed test designed to assess internet needs throughout the county. Survey data will help Somerset officials develop a broadband expansion plan tailored to the county’s unique needs.
The survey will remain open until September 22, 2023.
Two Ways YOU Can Help
2.
Tell local friends, family, and neighbors about this historic opportunity to help shape the future of internet in Somerset County.
What is Broadband?
Broadband, or high-speed internet, allows users to access the internet at speeds significantly greater than those offered through traditional “dial-up” connections. Most importantly, broadband internet is “always on,” meaning it’s available –– and reliable –– whenever you need it. Streaming, videoconferencing, cloud services, and modern public safety are all examples of content that relies on high-speed broadband connections. High-speed broadband results in faster, more reliable services, while internet access through aging infrastructure such as copper, results in slower, less reliable internet service.
Unserved
Underserved
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ISP
Why High-Speed Internet is Important For Somerset County Residents
The internet is no longer a luxury. It has become a critical part of our everyday life.
Broadband needs stretch beyond home and business needs alone and into the needs of Somerset County’s public safety, transportation, energy monitoring technology and more. It’s simple – modern society requires modern high-speed internet connection.
A traditional connection, and certainly no connection, is no longer enough to take advantage of and participate in this digital age. Broadband is needed now and into the future if Somerset citizens, present and future, are to continue to thrive.
- Provides residents the opportunity to connect with and friends and family
- Enables both adults and children to attend school remotely to complete school work and obtain diplomas and higher education degrees
- Gives everyone an equal opportunity to seek employment or conduct business remotely
- Allows residents in the entire county to meet with a telehealth specialist to obtain care
From Your Commissioners
Gerald Walker
Somerset County Commissioner
“We know there are areas of Somerset County that struggle with slow and unreliable internet service,” said Gerald Walker. “Now is the time for those individuals to come forward and share their challenges. Having those concerns documented in this survey and speed test will help the County potentially qualify for funding opportunities to solve many of these issues.”
Gerald Walker
Somerset County Commissioner
“We know there are areas of Somerset County that struggle with slow and unreliable internet service,” said Gerald Walker. “Now is the time for those individuals to come forward and share their challenges. Having those concerns documented in this survey and speed test will help the County potentially qualify for funding opportunities to solve many of these issues.”
Colleen Dawson
Somerset County Commissioner
“Reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for Somerset County to continue to compete in the modern economy,” said Colleen Dawson. “Faster broadband internet will help attract new residents to the County while making sure those who already call Somerset home are able to continue to live, learn, and work where they choose.”
Pamela Tokar-Ickes
Somerset County Commissioner
“This internet survey and speed test will help inform our strategy as we look to make investments in local broadband infrastructure,” said Pamela Tokar-Ickes. “We’re encouraging every resident and local business owner or manager to take this survey from their residence or business in order to ensure their internet challenges are heard.”
Gerald Walker
Somerset County Commissioner
“We know there are areas of Somerset County that struggle with slow and unreliable internet service,” said Gerald Walker. “Now is the time for those individuals to come forward and share their challenges. Having those concerns documented in this survey and speed test will help the County potentially qualify for funding opportunities to solve many of these issues.”
Colleen Dawson
Somerset County Commissioner
“Reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for Somerset County to continue to compete in the modern economy,” said Colleen Dawson. “Faster broadband internet will help attract new residents to the County while making sure those who already call Somerset home are able to continue to live, learn, and work where they choose.”
Pamela Tokar-Ickes
Somerset County Commissioner
“This internet survey and speed test will help inform our strategy as we look to make investments in local broadband infrastructure,” said Pamela Tokar-Ickes. “We’re encouraging every resident and local business owner or manager to take this survey from their residence or business in order to ensure their internet challenges are heard.”
Colleen Dawson
Somerset County Commissioner
“Reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for Somerset County to continue to compete in the modern economy,” said Colleen Dawson. “Faster broadband internet will help attract new residents to the County while making sure those who already call Somerset home are able to continue to live, learn, and work where they choose.”
Pamela Tokar-Ickes
Somerset County Commissioner
“This internet survey and speed test will help inform our strategy as we look to make investments in local broadband infrastructure,” said Pamela Tokar-Ickes. “We’re encouraging every resident and local business owner or manager to take this survey from their residence or business in order to ensure their internet challenges are heard.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the information you provide will remain secure and will only be used for broadband planning purposes and never sold.
The Redevelopment Authority of Somerset County through the Somerset County Commissioners is advancing the Connect Somerset County broadband initiative.
Broadband allows users to connect to the internet at speeds significantly higher than those with more traditional dial-up services. Without high-speed connection, a person’s ability to use various features and functions of the modern internet, such as telehealth or educational streaming services, is unreliable.
The survey will remain open until September 22, 2023.
The results of the Connect Somerset County survey and speed test will be made available through an official county report near the end of 2023.
If you don’t find an answer on this page, we’re happy to help. Send a message using the Contact Us form at the bottom of this page and every attempt will be made to answer your question in a timely manner.
We want to hear from ALL residents. That absolutely includes our neighbors without a current internet connection. Please help us reach those homeowners and business owners by telling them about our survey and providing them with a printed copy of the survey available for download here.
Once the survey and speed test has closed, county officials will work to identify areas of opportunity. Join the Somerset 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!
The speed test runs in the background as you answer the questions in the survey. Typically, the speed test will have sufficient time to populate during this time, and you’ll be able to complete the full survey and speed test task by clicking the “submit” button. However, in locations with very low internet speed, more time may be needed for the speed test to properly analyze your connection. Please leave the screen open for a few more minutes or until you see numbers populate in the boxes at the end of the survey. If you still experience difficulties, we would like to assist you. Please email feedback@connectsomersetcounty.com or call 724-495-4304.
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