The Catskill Chronicle

Survey Launched to Help County Plan for Expanded Service, and Seek Funding

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (April 28, 2015) – Sullivan County residents, business owners, and visitors are all encouraged to participate in a new survey about broadband Internet and cell phone service being conducted by the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management (DPEM). Strong participation in the survey is important to help the County plan, advocate, and seek funding for service expansion and improvements.

The survey can be completed on-line at surveymonkey.com/s/sullivanbroadband or at the Sullivan County website, www.co.sullivan.ny.us.

Paper copies will be available at Town and Village Halls, public libraries and other venues, and can also be obtained by calling DPEM at 845-807-0527. Additionally, paper copies are also being mailed to addresses shown on County coverage maps as not having access to wireline broadband.

Although the New York State Broadband Office maintains maps showing where people have access to high speed Internet access, these official maps appear to report that more of Sullivan County has access to service than is actually the case. Additionally, coverage maps do not measure or document other types of information needed for applications to state and federal funding programs, such as the quality of service and how County residents use the internet. The survey is intended to collect information required to make the case for expanded telecommunications services in Sullivan County.

Earlier this year, the Sullivan County Legislature recognized the importance of universal broadband to education, health care, economic development and quality of life in a resolution supporting County efforts to expand and enhance telecommunications service. The survey is part of an ongoing initiative to work with service providers, funding agencies, local municipalities and consumers to increase internet access and cell phone coverage. “This is your opportunity to help the County to advocate for improvements in broadband and cellular service so please take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey,” said Alan Sorensen, Sullivan County Legislator District 9.

For more about the survey, or telecommunications efforts, please contact the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management at 845-807-0527 or planning@co.sullivan.ny.us.