Your Survey Answers Will Help Determine SEI's Broadband Readiness

Monday, February 4, 2019 at 10:01 AM

By Mike Perleberg @mikedup84

An online survey from Purdue University is available through February 28, 2019.

(Versailles, Ind.) - Improving broadband internet service in southeastern Indiana is the aim of a new study.

According to Purdue University, 75 percent of Indiana households have a broadband internet subscription. However, only 68.9 percent of rural households have broadband.

The Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and the Purdue University Center for Regional Development are completing a “State of Broadband” report for the region.

SIRPC is a community and economic development agency serving nine area counties: Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley, Shelby, and Switzerland.

“We want to make sure all the communities in our region are prepared to expand their broadband opportunities,” explains Susan Craig, executive director of SIRPC.

Craig adds that access to broadband is an important economic development tool.

A public survey is open February 1st through 28th to get the input of adults living in the nine county area. Go to https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7P4bWmgvDWrN9el. The survey takes seven to nine minutes to complete.

The report will analyze the broadband footprint in the region, number of providers available, and other broadband-related information. It also will gauge the digital readiness level of households in the region.