Counties Take on Connectivity Challenge

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Local government officials are grappling with how to keep communications flowing for the millions of people who have retreated to their homes. “This is a true test of all of our connectivity, whether it's through a satellite provider, cable provider, cellphone provider,” said Rita Reynolds, the chief technology officer for the National Association of Counties. Her trade association is in the middle of assessing how local chief information officers and IT directors are processing the logistical challenges prompted by COVID-19. “We’ve had reach-outs from counties who were looking for telework policies because they didn’t have one in place,” she said. “Some counties have started streamlining their approval processes and understandably so.” One tech challenge is making sure county officials have the right VPN connections for their remote work, she said, adding that she’s circulated Department of Homeland Security guidelines on the matter. Some local officials may experiment with new communications tools, Reynolds added, describing one county that developed a chatbot and sees current circumstances as an excellent test case.


Counties Take on Connectivity Challenge