Connecting Imperial County is a county-wide program dedicated to improving access to high-speed communications services and encouraging greater use of the network for economic development.

The Internet is profoundly changing the world's economy. Information about goods and services, news and entertainment are much more accessible and less expensive. A global marketplace has emerged where people can buy and sell goods ranging from collectable Pez dispensers to farming equipment without ever meeting. About 60% of Americans have Internet access; about 30% of home Internet users have a broadband connection. But across American, rural residents are twice as likely to be unable to get high-speed services as urban residents.

Imperial County is lagging the nation in access and use of the Internet. Connecting Imperial County was created to help address this challenge. The County's Community & Economic Development department led the formation of a planning committee and the development of a county-wide assessment. The goal of the program is to get all sectors of the economy - schools, libraries, government agencies, businesses, and non-profits - connected and able to put the network to productive use.

You are invited to join us and help address the challenge of connecting to compete. For more information contact Trisha Ferrand at 760-337-7816, trishaferrand@imperialcounty.net.