Broadband Issues in Victoria Are A Hot Topic

There is just a little over a month left for broadband proposal bids to be considered for the City of Victoria and better broadband in the Crossroads is a hot topic for our community.

This morning, Crossroads Today, released an article citing "Victoria ranked as the 21st worst connected community in the United States!"

According to the article, National Digital Inclusion Alliance surveyed 623 communities across the country and ranked Victoria the 21st worst connected community.

NDIA ranked all 623 of these communities by two categories; "the percentage of households without Wireline broadband subscriptions, defined by the ACS as “Broadband such as cable, fiber optic or DSL,” and the percentage of each community’s households that lacked broadband Internet subscriptions of any type, including mobile data plans," the NDIA website reveals.

In December the City of Victoria sent a civic alert that stopped us in our tracks. The title of the City of Victoria's latest Civic Alert read, " City of Victoria Seeks Broadband Developer," which after reading the alert translates to, Victoria may get better broadband service soon.

Many of us can agree the Crossroads needs better broadband!

The request for better broadband proposals was developed by a City-led group of local stakeholders in the fields of government, health care, economic development, and education who are working to expand internet access by seeking solutions that will meet the needs of diverse sectors, known as the Victoria Broadband Commission. 

The program to get better broadband and connectivity throughout our community comes in three phases.

The first phase of the program will address Victoria’s existing capacity for connectivity. According to 2018 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 30% of Victoria households do not have a broadband subscription.

Second, the developer will conduct an enhanced network feasibility analysis. This will include a project timeline, technology recommendations and engagement of potential service providers in order to create an environment of competition and consumer choice.

Finally, the developer must create an implementation strategy for an enhanced network. This will include identification of funding opportunities and revenue opportunities as well as a division of responsibilities between the City and its development partner(s).

Proposals must be received by 1 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2021.

The Crossroads community anxiously awaits word from the city as to when we can expect better broadband.

Maybe after we resolve our broadband issues we will see Victoria on the list below.