Connect South Carolina Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

Access the Findings

43% of South Carolina residents still do not adopt broadband at home

Columbia, South Carolina – Today, Connect South Carolina released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in South Carolina. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. Approximately 43% of South Carolina residents are not subscribing to broadband at home. Most notably, the majority of low-income, rural, senior, disabled adult, Hispanic, and African-American households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

This survey is conducted in support of Connect South Carolina’s efforts to close South Carolina’s digital gap. The survey explores the main barriers to adoption – cost, digital skills, and relevance – and also provides unique insights into the national broadband landscape.

“The broadband adoption gap affects us all – it affects the economic future of our communities, it affects the education of our children, and it affects the economy’s potential for job growth,” said Tom Koutsky, chief policy counsel for Connected Nation, Connect South Carolina’s parent organization. “But there are no simple solutions to what is a multifaceted problem. Our South Carolina-based research into the demographic, economic, and digital skill barriers to adoption is a crucial first step that will help communities and policymakers tailor and target effective broadband adoption solutions.”

This survey reveals that:


• 53% percent of people living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.
• When comparing to the 57% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:
       o 74% of low-income households;
       o 51% of Hispanic households; and
       o 69% of seniors are without broadband.
• Approximately 170,000 children in low-income households are without access to this essential tool at home.
• 252,000 South Carolina adults say a lack of digital skills and knowledge of how to use a computer and broadband is the main reason they don’t have broadband at home.
• The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 9% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 24% have a computer at home.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect South Carolina’s new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect South Carolina will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC’s newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connect South Carolina’s parent organization, Connected Nation, is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connect South Carolina’s 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,601 residents. The survey was conducted as part of the South Carolina Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009.

Download the Press Release

Connect Minnesota Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

28% of Minnesota residents still do not have broadband at home

Access the Findings

ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Connect Minnesota released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in Minnesota. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. According to the survey, approximately 28% of the population still does not subscribe to broadband. Most notably, the majority of low-income, senior, disabled adult, and Hispanic households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

The survey reveals that:

• 39% of Minnesotans living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.

• When comparing to the 72% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:

   o 53% of low-income households;

   o 51% of Hispanic households; and

   o 68% of seniors are without broadband.

• 54% of low-income households with children are without access to this essential tool at home.

• The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 21% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 32% have a computer at home.

• The largest barrier to non-adopters is relevance - 29% of non-adopters say there isn’t Internet content worth viewing. The second most commonly cited barrier is that it is too expensive.

• The number one reason Minnesotans say they started using broadband is because they needed it for business.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect Minnesota’s new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect Minnesota will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

Connect Minnesota’s 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,100 residents.

Download the press release

Connect Nevada Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

Access the Findings

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

33% of Nevada residents still do not have broadband at home

Carson City, NV – Today, Connect Nevada released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in Nevada. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. According to the survey, approximately 33% of the population still does not subscribe to broadband. Most notably, the majority of low-income and senior households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

“Access to broadband services is an essential ingredient in the strengthening of Nevada’s communities and its citizens through increased educational, employment training, business development, and communication options,” said Daphne DeLeon, chairperson of the Governor’s Nevada Broadband Task Force. “The results of the Residential Broadband Adoption Survey provide Nevada with a valuable tool to address broadband adoption gaps.”

This survey is conducted in support of Connect Nevada’s efforts to close Nevada’s digital gap. The survey explores the main barriers to adoption – cost, digital skills, and relevance – and also provides unique insights into the national broadband landscape. On Monday, November 14, Connect Nevada and the Nevada Broadband Task Force are hosting the state’s first broadband summit, called Wired for Success, in Dayton, NV. The summit is designed to promote access, adoption, and use of broadband for the purposes of economic development and improved quality of life for Nevada's citizens.

“These new research findings and our upcoming state broadband summit are critical steps to ensuring the future of our state economy,” said Connect Nevada State Program Manager Lindsey Niedzielski. “Connect Nevada is working to bring quality broadband access, adoption, and use to everyone because broadband creates jobs, provides limitless education, and brings a world of services directly into local homes and businesses. Broadband is the key to a truly level playing field of opportunity.”

The survey reveals that:

• 35% of Nevadans living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.

• When comparing to the 67% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:

• 64% of low-income households;
• 42% of Hispanic households; and
• 58% of seniors are without broadband.

• 47% of children in low-income households are without access to this essential tool at home.

• The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 15% of low-income seniors in Nevada subscribe to broadband and only 40% have a computer at home.

• The largest barrier to non-adopters is relevance - 27% of non-adopters say there isn’t Internet content worth viewing. The second most commonly cited barrier is that it is too expensive.

• The number one reason Nevadans say they started using broadband is because they realized it was worth the cost.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect Nevada’s new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect Nevada will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC’s newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connect Nevada’s parent organization, Connected Nation, is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connect Nevada’s 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,032 residents. The survey was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009.

Download Press Release

Connect Iowa Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

Access the Findings

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

37% of Iowa residents still do not have broadband at home

Des Moines, IA – Today, Connect Iowa released new residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics in Iowa. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. According to the survey, approximately 37% of the population still does not subscribe to broadband. Most notably, the majority of low-income, senior, disabled adult, and Hispanic households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

“Improved broadband connectivity is vital in terms of spurring economic development,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “Better broadband access stimulates job creation, boosts productivity, improves educational resources for tomorrow’s workforce, and ultimately enhances the state’s economic standing in the international arena.”

This survey is conducted in support of Connect Iowa’s efforts to close the state’s digital gap. The survey explores the main barriers to adoption – cost, digital skills, and relevance – and also provides unique insights into the national broadband landscape.

“These findings are key to helping us create custom local and regional broadband deployment plans,” said Connect Iowa Program Manager Amy Kuhlers. “Connect Iowa’s goal is quality broadband access, adoption, and use across all corners of the state.”

The survey reveals that:

• 45% of Iowans living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home.

• When comparing to the 63% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:

• 62% of low-income households;
• 66% of seniors are without broadband.

• 42% of low-income households with children are without access to this essential tool at home.

• The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 26% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 41% have a computer at home.

• The largest barrier to non-adopters is relevance - 26% of non-adopters say there isn’t Internet content worth viewing. The second most commonly cited barrier is that it is too expensive.

• The top reasons Iowans say they started using broadband is because they realized it was worth the cost or it became available.

These results and comparisons to many others are available on Connect Iowa’s new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connect Iowa will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC’s newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connect Iowa’s parent organization, Connected Nation, is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connect Iowa’s 2011 residential survey was conducted in the summer of 2011 and includes responses from 3,600 residents. The survey was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and by the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009.

Download Press Release

Broadband in Spotlight at Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

Native leaders to be offered tools to help high-speed Internet expansion in bush villages

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention takes place October 20 through 22 in Anchorage and Connect Alaska will be there to ensure the state’s most isolated populations have a voice in planning for the expansion of quality broadband service.

High-speed Internet is a critical modern lifeline to crucial services that support and improve quality of life. Telemedicine, educational opportunities, jobs, and government services including future Alaska PFD submissions all depend largely on broadband access, adoption, and use.

“Our Connect Alaska team is constantly travelling the state and there is truly no place in America in greater need of broadband access, adoption, and use than bush Alaska,” said Connect Alaska Project Coordinator Therese Dolan. “We’re excited to be a part of this year’s AFN convention because it is helping us put critical tools directly into the hands of village leaders that have the most to gain from the free services we offer.”

Connect Alaska is offering AFN attendees an hour-long workshop at four different times over the course of the AFN conference to discuss the challenges and concerns that face bush villages in the digital age. Attendees will learn about the community support, tech support, relationship advocacy, and other free resources that are available to them through the Connect Alaska initiative.

The Connect Alaska workshops are planned for the Tubughnenq’ Room of the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center. The sessions are scheduled for:

Thursday, October 20

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 22

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The AFN Convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples. Delegates are elected on a population formula of one representative per 25 Native residents in the area and delegate participation rates at the annual convention typically exceed 95 percent. Each year the AFN Convention draws between 4,000–5,000 attendees.

Download Press Release

Connect Florida Study Demonstrates Business Revenue Impact of Broadband

Download the White Paper

Access the Findings

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on Facebook

Research reveals more than 134,000 Florida businesses still do not use high-speed Internet

Tallahassee, FL — A newly released report by Connect Florida, in coordination with the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), confirms that Florida businesses with a broadband connection generate more revenue and jobs. In fact, Florida businesses with high-speed Internet connections report having median annual revenues $130,000 greater than businesses without broadband. Currently, 74% of Florida’s business establishments use broadband, but the research estimates that approximately 134,000 Florida businesses still do not use broadband technology today.

The Business Technology Assessment is the first of its kind and takes an in-depth look at all sectors of the state’s economy. A new interactive application is available on the website where the public, local planners, and broadband providers can use it to see the impact on the state’s economy, from healthcare and manufacturing, to tourism and education.

“In our digital economy, businesses must embrace broadband, and other transformative technologies like it, in order to survive,” said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, Connect Florida’s parent organization. “The Internet is driving products and services to the marketplace in an environment where creativity and innovation are both reinforced and rewarded.”

Connect Florida, as the contractor for DMS, is working to expand broadband. The Business Technology Assessment reveals how technology is being used by businesses and where gaps still remain across the state. Connect Florida plans to work with local leaders and broadband providers, applying the data to expand the availability and use of reliable and affordable broadband through market-based initiatives.

Findings from this survey show a significant correlation between high-speed Internet adoption and a business’s bottom line. Some examples include:

• Florida businesses with broadband average $130,000 more annual revenue than businesses without broadband.

• 74% of Florida businesses report using broadband in the workplace, and Internet-connected businesses in Florida earn 32% of their revenue from online transactions.

• Nearly one-quarter of state businesses allow employees to telework, which allows workers more flexibility and helps businesses operate more efficiently.

All Florida residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Florida website at www.connect-florida.org and join in this important initiative. The website gives users a one-stop-shop portal where they can find providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, request broadband service in their area, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has impacted their lives. Florida broadband providers are also urged to contact the Connect Florida initiative to ensure their services continue to be accurately reflected on the map.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) funds the program. DMS is the legislatively designated entity tasked with mapping broadband for the state of Florida. All of Florida’s broadband mapping efforts are in compliance with NTIA’s Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the SBI and are reflected in the national broadband map.

Download Press Release

Connected Nation Releases 2011 Residential Broadband Adoption Survey Results

Access the Findings

Findings affirm nation’s need to focus on driving broadband adoption

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Connected Nation released its annual residential broadband adoption survey results revealing the top trends in technology use among key demographics. The preliminary indicators from the survey are available online, which gives a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for expanding broadband in targeted sectors. Most notably, the majority of low-income, senior, disabled adult, Hispanic, and African-American households are without broadband at home, leaving them facing an uphill battle in keeping up with essential online resources, job and educational opportunities, and social services.

“The broadband adoption gap affects us all – it affects the economic future of our communities, it affects the education of our children, and it affects the economy’s potential for job growth,” said Tom Koutsky, chief policy counsel for Connected Nation. “But there are no simple solutions to what is a multifaceted problem. Our state-based research into the demographic, economic, and digital skill barriers to adoption is a crucial first step that will help government and communities tailor and target effective broadband adoption solutions.”

These surveys were conducted in support of Connected Nation’s state programs, which are at the forefront of state efforts to close the nation’s digital gap. These surveys explore the main barriers to adoption – cost, digital skills, and relevance – and also provide unique insights into the broadband landscape in several states.

These surveys also reveal that:

• 31.6 million people living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home. This is more than the populations of Texas and Wisconsin combined.
• When comparing to the 66% of all households that do subscribe, there remain large gaps among key demographics:
        o 62% of low-income households;
        o 51% of Hispanic households; and
        o 57% of seniors are without broadband.
• 7.6 million children in low-income households are without access to this essential tool at home.
• 15.4 million American adults say a lack of digital skills and knowledge of how to use a computer and broadband is the main reason they don’t have broadband at home.
• The biggest gap is among low-income seniors. Only 22% of low-income seniors subscribe to broadband and only 41% have a computer at home.

State-specific results and comparisons to those benchmarks for those categories and many others are available on Connected Nation’s new consumer trends widget. This interactive tool gives people the ability to view, share, and download the results. Connected Nation’s state programs will use these survey results to target solutions in communities based on the demographic and economic barriers that the surveys indicate are most relevant to those communities.

This release comes on the heels of the FCC’s newly released plans to launch a comprehensive public-private initiative called Connect to Compete, aimed at extending digital literacy training and providing employment assistance to communities. Connected Nation is one of the top strategic advisors in the national initiative.

Connected Nation’s 2011 residential surveys were conducted in ten states and include responses from 27,000 residents in the summer of 2011, which makes it among the largest, most comprehensive set of data on residential broadband and the barriers to adoption ever collected in the United States. These surveys were conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and were funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment of 2009. These surveys and other Connected Nation research will support local and regional broadband initiatives and programs, which will target intervention and policy responses to challenged communities.

# # #


About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when individuals and communities have the opportunity and desire to connect. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. http://www.connectednation.org.

Follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.

Download Press Release

Connected Nation Joins Major National Broadband Adoption Effort Announced by FCC

‘Connect to Compete’ Focuses on Training, Digital Literacy

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, it was announced that national nonprofit Connected Nation is a key strategic advisor and partner in a major national public-private broadband adoption initiative called “Connect to Compete” aimed at boosting digital literacy and skills training and job creation.

The program, which includes a dozen private and nonprofit partners, was announced today by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski in a speech at the Pew Charitable Trust.

“Our data show that nearly 32 million rural Americans don’t have broadband at home. Across all areas, approximately 6.7 million unemployed Americans don’t have home broadband service. We can’t compete when our players are sitting on the sidelines without the right equipment,” said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation. “Connected Nation has been working to equip communities with the necessary technology for nearly a decade. The Connect to Compete initiative is an exciting opportunity bringing national game changers together to make big things happen for digital literacy.”

Components of the program include a national “digital literacy corps” working to close the broadband adoption gap, and initiatives by private sector firms that are donating training opportunities, software, and creating digital content that will help job seekers. The Connect to Compete nonprofit initiative will oversee the effort.

Microsoft, Geek Squad, the Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, One Economy, and the National Urban League are some of the other organizations aligned with Connect to Compete.

As a national technology organization with a footprint reaching 30 states and territories, Connected Nation has been leading the way in promoting broadband access, adoption, and use for nearly a decade. Connected Nation’s programs include: cutting-edge research, groundbreaking broadband mapping and planning programs through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's State Broadband Initiative, technology training and distribution, and a long history of partnerships with governments, other nonprofits, community leaders, and leading technology firms.

Connected Nation and its state-based programs have initiated several successful digital literacy programs to provide computers and training to disadvantaged populations. Connected Nation’s community and education programs such as Every Citizen Online and Computers 4 Kids have the effect of generating demand for broadband services in previously unserved areas, and have helped thousands cross the digital adoption gap.

Tomorrow, Connected Nation is releasing its 2011 Residential Technology Assessment revealing the barriers to broadband adoption across vulnerable sectors. The research shows the vital need for efforts such as Connect to Compete:

• 46% of rural households or 31.6 million people living in rural areas do not subscribe to broadband service at home. This is more than the populations of Texas and Wisconsin combined.
• 15.4 million American adults say a lack of digital skills and knowledge of how to use a computer and broadband is the main reason why they don’t have broadband at home.
• We estimate that 17 million children do not have broadband at home – and that 7.6 million of these children live in low-income households. The disproportionate adoption gap has serious implications for technology education policy.

# # #

About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) that expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when individuals and communities have the opportunity and desire to connect. Connected Nation effectively raises the awareness of the value of broadband and related technologies by developing coalitions of influencers and enablers for improving technology availability and use. Connected Nation works with consumers, community leaders, states, technology providers and foundations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. http://www.connectednation.org.

Follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.

Download Press Release