As a resident of FM 842 outside the city limits of Lufkin, I am experiencing significant challenges with my university’s online program due to the inadequate internet speeds in our area. While some parts of FM 842 have access to fiber internet, most of us are limited to a mere 20mbps download and 1mbps upload speeds. Those living even further out struggle with only 10mbps down and 1mbps up, despite paying nearly $55 for these insufficient speeds.

This issue is not confined to me alone. My younger brother, who is still in high school, relies on the internet for his coursework. The slow speeds make it nearly impossible for him to complete his assignments efficiently. Many families in our community face similar struggles, particularly those who work from home or have multiple people needing reliable internet access for education and professional tasks.

The current internet infrastructure is failing us, and we desperately need fiber installed throughout our area to ensure everyone has equal opportunities for education and work. Access to high-speed internet is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Moreover, I want to help others who live near me and also face the same difficulties with low internet speeds. For those who can't leave their homes for work or can't do a job in person, obtaining a work-from-home job often requires internet speeds that are currently unattainable in our area. Living in East Texas, we also deal with unpredictable weather, making services like Starlink unreliable due to inconsistent speeds. Additionally, not everyone here can afford the expensive hardware or the $120 monthly payment for Starlink.

We urgently need fiber access to support our community’s educational and professional needs.

Please sign this petition to urge local providers to expand fiber internet access outside the city limits of Lufkin!