The Stafford County Telecommunications Commission, supported by Stafford County, is conducting a survey to analyze the availability of broadband in the county. The survey will also include collecting data on the way citizens receive broadband and their level of satisfaction with their available offerings. The data will help the Commission in identifying broadband needs in underserved and unserved areas assisting with negotiating future franchise agreements.

The impetus behind the survey is to gather definitive data on Stafford’s broadband picture. Cable and internet providers do not provide numbers or exact maps of where their service is deployed to Stafford County. That information is deemed proprietary by the providers. The Federal Communications Commission estimates Stafford County is 96% covered by broadband. As well, the United States Census specifies that 91.5% of Stafford residents have broadband internet subscriptions. As a result, Stafford does not qualify for any rural broadband funding from the federal government.

The online survey allows users to pinpoint their location and answer a few questions about the status of their service regarding issues such as speed and satisfaction. Information from the various respondents will create an online map providing a better understanding of broadband in the County.

Members of the public are encouraged to take the survey at www.staffordcountyva.gov/broadbandsurvey. The survey will close November 1, 2019. Those with questions may contact Michael Cannon, Stafford County Government Chief Technology Officer, at (540) 658-8687.