YoCo Fiber: Internet Expansion in York County

BY BEV MACKERETH | YCEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADVOCACY CHAIR; DAVID GONZALEZ | DIRECTOR, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

An issue that has impacted families, households, and businesses even before the pandemic brought it to a prominent spotlight, is the ability to afford and access the internet.

That is why the York County Commissioners established the YoCo Strong Recovery Task Force, to assess the issues raised from the pandemic and formulate recovery funding recommendations. A notable and reoccurring recommendation throughout the 2020 and 2021 reports are a call to address the issues around the digital divide by investing in broadband infrastructure for all residents. This push is to create more equitable access to the internet, especially at a time when the ability for residents to be competitive in the job market and in their education hinders on reliable internet access.

To further support this effort, YCEA works with the YoCo Fiber Broadband Task Force, a group established by the County Commissioners, to advise the county on uses of federal recovery funding to implement the countywide broadband strategy and advocate at various levels of government.

HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT THIS EFFORT?

The task force is gathering data through a survey to develop an understanding on current internet access (or lack of access), speeds, and costs to help advance this initiative. The captured data will aid in the County of York’s ability to secure grants, advocate, and ultimately bring better internet to residents, businesses, and non-profits. To complete the survey, visit YoCoFiber.com.