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El Paso County, Colo., Asks Citizens How their Internet is Working as it Crafts a Broadband Plan

The county wants to know where it should be putting its money when it comes to high-speed Internet.

(TNS) — El Paso County wants insights from businesses and residents about Internet service options.

An online survey is to gather information for the county's Broadband Strategic Plan, which will analyze what private providers offer in the county, from fiber-optic broadband to wireless, and planned expansions of those networks.

The study also will identify opportunities for regional collaboration and options on how to structure and fund broadband initiatives.

The survey, open through the end of June, asks residents about their providers, whether they're satisfied, and if the county should play a role in ensuring access to high-speed Internet.

"We'd like as many residents and businesses as possible to complete the surveys so we have a clearer picture of where the needs are greatest," county IT Director Jeff Eckhart said in a statement.

Those conducting the study also will interview business leaders, public safety agencies and other government entities, Eckhart said.

County commissioners in March approved a nearly $150,000 contract with professional engineering and technical consulting firm HR Green Inc. for the plan.

Manitou Springs and Fountain also hired HR Green for similar studies.

County residents can take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/EPCResidential.

Businesses owners and managers should visit surveymonkey.com/r/EPCBusiness.

©2018 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.