Butler County Broadband Facts

Source: Nebraska Library Commission. Public Library Survey 2022-2023 FY.
Note: Not all Nebraska libraries provided data to the Nebraska Library Commission.

Available at: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/stats/statlist.aspx

What can you do to improve broadband in your county or community?

Build Awareness. Community members, businesses and those living outside of city limits need to understand the importance of broadband and how new technologies can be utilized.

Form a Broadband Committee. Work with other interested community leaders to form a community or regional technology committee. Complete the Intelligent Community Checklist to assess your community, county or region.

Document Demand for Broadband. Understand how individuals and businesses are utilizing broadband and identify those interested in better service. Conduct a broadband household and business survey.

Review Local Permitting and Rights of Way Processes to make sure they are processed in a timely manner and are not unduly burdensome on telecommunications providers.

Talk to Your Local Providers. Ask your local providers about current service available, future plans and what can be done to encourage deployment.

Identify and Report Issues. Contact your local provider to report service issues. An online survey can be used to log service issues. The Public Service Commission may be able to help resolve issues.

Contact Local and State Officials to make them aware that your community wants better broadband or is running into particular issues. They may be able to help identify strategies and solutions.

Enhance Broadband in Libraries. The E-rate program can provide funding for library internet service and Wi-Fi. Libraries may also be able to partner with schools to improve library internet access.

Address the Homework Gap by implementing programs to provide internet access for students to complete homework. Examples include hot spot lending programs at the local school or library and Wi-Fi on buses.

Encourage Broadband Use. Classes at the local library or a maker space are great ways to help community members learn about new technologies

Encourage Public-Private Partnerships by:

• Placing Conduit in Right of Way. Communities can lease conduit to telecommunication providers, reducing costs for providers and reducing the need to dig up streets.
• Inventorying High Points such as grain elevators and water towers which may be used for fixed wireless deployments. This can help attract a fixed wireless provider and reduce their costs.
• Conducting an Engineering Study. Conducting an engineering study is another way to partner with a provider to identify the best locations to deploy broadband.
• Exploring Financial Incentives. Offer a low-interest loan, a loan over a longer period, or explore grants or other cooperative approaches.

Explore Forming a Broadband Cooperative. A broadband cooperative may have certain investment and tax advantages and may empower stakeholders to focus on solutions rather than problems.

For More Information, Contact: