Custer County Broadband Facts
Library | Service Area Population | Maximum Download Speed | Persons Per Megabit Index | Does the Library Apply for E-Rate? |
Finch Memorial Library (Arnold) | 587 | 18.1-24 Mbps | 24 | No |
Broken Bow Public Library | 3,474 | 50.1-100 Mbps | 35 | No |
Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library (Callaway) | 1,163 | 24.1-50 Mbps | 23 | No |
Brenizer Public Library (Merna) | 341 | 24.1-50 Mbps | 7 | No |
Sargent Township Library | 609 | 50.1-100 Mbps | 6 | No |
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
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:
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:
Anne Byers Digital Equity Manager/NITC Administrative Manager Nebraska Information Technology Commission Anne.byers@nebraska.gov 402-471-3805 |
Cullen Robbins Nebraska Public Service Commission Cullen.robbins@nebraska.gov 402-471-0230 |
Charlotte Narjes University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cnarjes1@unl.edu 402-472-1724 |
Becca Kingery Education IT Manager Office of the Chief Information Officer becca.kingery@nebraska.gov 402-471-0267 |
Holly Woldt Nebraska Library Commission Holly.woldt@nebraska.gov 402-471-7980 |
Roger Meeks USDA Rural Utilities Service Roger.Meeks@wdc.usda.gov 402-420-1467 |