Merced County and its six cities are working together to help bridge the digital divide by improving broadband services to the entire county, and need community feedback as part of the effort.

The project, known as “AccessMerced,” will create a broadband strategic plan by analyzing current available data and, more importantly, community survey responses. 

Community participation is a critical component in developing the strategic plan. The community survey asks participants questions about their current internet service and what they’d like to see improved. Verifying the actual services available at your home or in your community will help confirm or counter internet service provider information by creating a more accurate picture of internet coverage in Merced County. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and is available in English, Spanish, and Hmong. It can be accessed at the link below: 

Take the Survey Now
(www.countyofmerced.com/accessmerced-survey)

This survey will be available until January 13, 2023. Paper copies are available at the Merced County Administration Building, Merced City Hall, and all branches of the Merced County Library for those who may not have internet access. 

Merced County and its six cities recognize that broadband service is an essential component for continued economic growth of the region. The completed strategic plan will include policy direction for broadband expansion and will provide information that supports enhancing public and private investment in broadband infrastructure. Upon completion of the broadband strategic plan, the multi-jurisdictional consortium will begin working to identify funding options and potential partnerships to improve our broadband infrastructure, strengthening the economic competitiveness of the region.