Community broadband workshop planned as county looks to bolster access

Lackawanna County residents are encouraged to attend a “Community Broadband Workshop” next week planned as part of a broader effort to bolster access to reliable, high-speed internet in the county.

The workshop, another step in the Lackawanna County Broadband Assessment Plan study being conducted by the engineering and consulting firm HRG, will take place June 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Abington Heights High School in South Abington Twp. It comes as officials advancing the study project continue to seek feedback via a brief broadband survey and speed test open through July 13.

“Understanding broadband availability throughout Lackawanna County and its impact on residents is an important metric in determining reliable high-speed internet,” officials noted in a recent post on the county’s website. “The workshop will explore broadband user experience, service gaps, availability, affordability and how broadband service impacts day-to-day lives in the county. Topics will include a study overview, speed test updates, interactive exercises, an open discussion and how you can help.”

Officials launched the survey and speed test in April, describing the broader broadband initiative as “a multifaceted project that will collect data and feedback over the course of several months to identify broadband service needs and focus future efforts on expanding internet service.”

That work is ongoing after Commissioners Bill Gaughan and Chris Chermak voted in July to award HRG a two-year, $156,300 contract for the broadband planning project. A cover sheet submitted with last year’s legislation authorizing the contract described the broadband venture as a “fact-finding endeavor” that should help the county secure funding for projects improving broadband infrastructure, including expanding its existing wireless network.

A link to the survey and and a registration link for next week’s workshop remain available on the homepage of the county’s website, lackawannacounty.org.

Residents and businesses are asked to take the survey and speed test using the wired or Wi-Fi connection serving their home or business. They shouldn’t use a mobile phone data plan, as doing so won’t measure broadband speed.

Prospective participants can also download a printable version of the survey, or request a copy by mail or email by contacting internetsurvey@lackawannacounty.org. Paper copies are also available at local libraries, municipal buildings and at the county government center in downtown Scranton.

Refreshments will be served at the workshop June 25. Abington Heights High School, the site of the event, is located at 222 Noble Road, South Abington Twp.