Research
e-Strategy Survey
In March 2010, Strategic Networks Group (SNG) surveyed businesses, organizations and households on the availability of broadband as well as the uses, benefits, drivers and barriers to broadband. Results of the e-Strategy Report provide insight into opportunities for increasing broadband utilization by households, businesses and organizations – specifically in the health, non-profit and government sectors – identify policy and program implications and set the stage for future broadband strategies. Data was collected from more than 6,200 businesses and nearly 1,500 households.
Key Findings of e-Strategy Report
- Over a 12-month period, 17.5% of new jobs created across the state were attributed to Internet usage. This number is even more significant for small businesses with less than 20 employees where 28% of new jobs were attributed to Internet usage.
- Thirty-two percent of respondents say mobile access to the Internet is essential to their business.
- Thirty-nine percent of households say they would relocate if broadband was not available, while 55% of organizations say broadband is essential for staying in their current location.
- Of the 405 county and municipal government respondents that participated in the survey, 26% indicate that availability of broadband has been a factor in attracting businesses to their area.
- Between 17% and 22% of respondents state that businesses have relocated in another area or chosen not to locate in their area because of broadband availability. Most of these respondents are in rural areas. Forty-one percent of households say broadband is extremely important for choosing a place to live, which reinforces the likelihood that residents would relocate to another community if broadband was not available.
- Availability of broadband also has significant economic benefits at the household level. Close to 32% of households currently use broadband to run a home business, while nearly 36% telework. Fourteen percent of households plan to use broadband in the coming year for either a home business, while 12.8% plan to use the Internet to telework
View the e-Strategy Report
View the PowerPoint presentation of the e-Strategy Report
Citizen Survey
Since 1999, East Carolina University professors have surveyed North Carolina residents regarding their attitudes and perspectives about Internet and computer usage as well as the changes that have occurred over time. This data has been collected from users of dial-up and broadband and those with no access. The survey was previously conducted in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2008.
Approximately 1,200 citizens responded to the survey during a two month collection period.
Key Findings of 2010 Citizen Survey
- Respondents cited trial and error as the most common way of learning to use the computer, while a little more than 8% reported learning at a Public Access Center.
- Nearly 90% of respondents use their home computer mainly for checking e-mail and other online activities.
- DSL and cable modem are the most common home Internet connections.
- Cable TV companies and telephone companies are the most commonly used providers.
- Broadband or a higher speed connection is used by only 26% of the respondents’ households.
- Home computers are still the primary means for accessing the Internet.