2. RESIDENTIAL STUDY BACKGROUND
Survey mailed May 2011
4000 homes randomly sampled.
491 returned surveys/12% response rate
400 returned surveys analyzed
Provides margin of error of ± 5 percentage points
3. RESIDENTIAL STUDY: WHO RESPONDED
County Frequency % of Total County pop as % of
respondents Total SC Ozark
Region Population
Howell 186 47% 32%
Texas 102 26% 20%
Wright 66 17% 15%
Oregon 13 3% 8%
Shannon 10 3% 7%
Douglas 8 2% 11%
Ozark 5 1% 8%
NOTE: 3% OF RESPONDENTS DID NOT INDICATE THEIR COUNTY OF RESIDENCE
6. RESIDENTIAL STUDY - DEMOGRAPHICS
Education Level
High School graduate 37%
Some College or Associates 17%
College degree 18%
Graduate degree 15%
No Response 8%
7. RESIDENTIAL SURVEY: INCOME OF RESPONDENTS
County Median Income (Census)
Howell 31,135
Texas 31,743
Wright 27,612
Oregon 24,907
Shannon 24,680
Douglas 32,936
Ozark 28,224
SC Ozark region 28,748
Missouri 45,149
Median HH Income of Surveyed HH > Median HH income of Region
Note: (36% did not respond to income question)
9. Type of Internet Service
Don't Know 2%
Other 3%
Fixed Wireless 6%
DSL
49%
Cellular Broadband 4%
Satellite 8%
Cable Modem 1%
Dial-Up 11%
10. Internet Activity in the Last 7 Days
Keep in touch with family and friends 86%
Look for service or product information 84%
Look for health or medical information 72%
Buy something online 68%
Look online for news or information about politics 65%
Use an online social networking site like Facebook 64%
Do any online banking 60%
Visit your state, region or local government’s website 41%
Watch television or other videos 39%
Play online video games 31%
Look online for information about a job 26%
Take a class or do homework 23%
Contribute to a website, blog or other online forum 20%
Work from home (telecommuting) 20%
Share something online that you created yourself 19%
Look for information about a place to live 17%
Operate or support a home-based business 17%
Sell something online 15%
11.
12. RESIDENTIAL SURVEY:
WHEN DID THE HOUSEHOLD FIRST OWNED A COMPUTER AND WHEN DID
THEY FIRST HAD ACCESS TO BB/ HSI AT HOME ?
13. BUSINESS STUDY BACKGROUND
Online survey available from:
March 2011 to July 2011
58 local businesses responded (as of 07/13)
23% were satellite offices
7% had satellite locations
32 questions about broadband or high-speed
Internet services in the South Central Ozark
region
14. BUSINESS STUDY – RESPONSES BY COUNTY
By County:
Douglas 17%
Howell 22%
Texas 29%
Wright 3%
Oregon 4%
Shannon 9%
Ozark 16%
17. DO YOU HAVE INTERNET SERVICE AT YOUR BUSINESS?
Do you have Internet Access?
NO
6%
YES
94%
Two businesses report that internet service is not available, but they
plan on establishing it as soon as it becomes available.
22. ACCESS TO BROADBAND SERVICE
Why haven’t you adopted broadband? (check
all that apply). 30% of businesses responded
Not available 94%
Too expensive 25%
Do you plan to adopt broadband service?
100% said YES, When? (multiple responses)
As soon as it is available 88%
When it becomes affordable 22%
23. BROADBAND SERVICE RATINGS
Rating of Broadband Services
Don’t
Very Very Response
Services Satisfied Dissatisfied Know/Not
Satisfied Dissatisfied Count
Applicable
Cost of internet/network
12% 40% 14% 24% 10% 50
service
Speed of the on-line
10% 27% 12% 47% 4% 51
connection
Billing practices of your
8% 56% 13% 10% 13% 48
provider
Reliable access to the
8% 44% 27% 19% 2% 48
Internet
Training and technical
10% 40% 14% 19% 17% 48
support
Customer Service
Representative’s
15% 37% 13% 23% 12% 48
knowledge when you call
for service
Installation technician’s
ability and courteousness 13% 50% 8% 6% 23% 48
25. IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND AMONG BUSINESSES
How important is a broadband (high-speed
Internet access) connection to the day to day
operations of your business?
Very Important 88%
Important 10%
Somewhat Important 2%
Not at all Important 0%
26. WHY IMPORTANT?
Broadband service is important for business connections
Daily access to the Internet is important for staying connected to
customers
Internet content mandates a broadband connection now
27. WOULD IT BE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR BUSINESS IF
BROADBAND WERE ENHANCED?
100% indicated “YES”, Why? Top four
reasons:
17% said faster speeds would save time
15% said it would increase their productivity and
allow an expansion of their services
11% said competition would bring more affordable
broadband
10% said broadband would increase reliability of
internet services
30. TYPE OF CONTRACT
TOP THREE RESPONSES
MONTHLY 31%
DON”T KNOW 31%
2- YEAR 11%
ANNUAL 3%
NO CONTRACT 23%
UNSPECIFIED TERM 1%
31. ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY
29 Businesses had other comments about broadband in the region.
Some included:
Besides satellite none exist although CenturyTel has promised to
expand DSL service. I have been on the list for 7 years and still
waiting
Broadband is available about 1/2 mile away from our house and we
were told that we can't get it yet. It has been available for houses 1/2
mile away from us for about 1 year. We will be thankful when it gets
to us.
Broadband is available a mile in each direction from where I live. It's
like my area is a bubble; very frustrating. The local phone company
has been saying for nearly four years that broadband is coming in the
next four to six months. Everyone around me can get it, but I can
not. I even was told my address was eligible for it a year ago, but the
local service canceled my appointment, saying I could not have it. I
would like to get service so that I can work from home.
32. ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY
Additional comments:
DSL is limited to only a few miles around the town of
Ava
Households around us have internet access through
our phone company. We are part of an "island" that is
serviced by a switch that is inadequate to handle
internet service. The company has no plans to upgrade
that switch at this time. We are frustrated and angry
that service is not available and we must rely on either
dial-up or satellite service at this time -- both of which
are totally inadequate for my needs. Many of my
neighbors have home businesses and we are in great
need of decent internet access.
33. ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY
Additional comments:
I believe that most people in rural MO will use
broadband service if it is provided at a reasonable cost.
Many like myself would profit from it as a business tool
for advertising, sales, access to materials and many
other users. Please Help.
"I do not know what the technical hurdles are for DSL,
but every time I've called Centurylink for the past 4
years, they assure me that 'it is coming.' I know that it is
available 3 miles up the road... what I would do for a
reliable DSL connection for $30-40/month!
34. ONLINE BUSINESS SURVEY
Additional comments:
I think expansion of broadband in the region is
important to the future of the economic development in
the area.
If were are going to be economically viable - high-speed
Internet is a necessity.
More broadband service cannot come soon enough to
Ozark County.
Other broadband options are incredibly important to
businesses like ours that are located in rural areas.
Satellite companies just do not understand or care
about the needs of businesses in rural Missouri.
36. INDIVIDUAL SECTOR DATA
Collected through various methods: Written
Surveys & Online Surveys
Agriculture (24 OL) Local Government (8
Community & Social OL)
Services (8 W) Public Safety (2 W)
Healthcare (9 OL) Small Business (14 W)
Higher Education (5 OL) Service (4 OL)
K-12 Education (19 OL) Tourism (9 OL/9 W)
Library (4 OL/1 W) Workforce Development
(2 OL)
37. KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
68% of those that responded indicated that current
Agr-business processes and procedures encourage
the use of broadband. Examples of these include:
Selling, cattle, sheep, wool, beefalo, dairy products,
etc.
Keeping track of cattle and commodity prices
Research on agricultural topics
Video conferencing with other agri-businesses
Providing veterinary information to farmers and
clinics
Weather information and updates
38. KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
61% indicate that more training is needed.
Higher education institutions should provide
broadband technology-related training
Workshops could be offered through the extension
service
Hands-on training at agricultural trade shows
Libraries should offer instruction
39. KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
85% indicate that broadband access and availability
does not meet the minimum standards needed in the
South Central Ozark region. Enhancements would
include:
The electric cooperative and the phone company could
get together and extend service beyond the current
limited boundaries
Provide affordable service throughout the entire county
Wired service will be needed because terrain (hills and
valleys) is a limitation for wireless
Guarantees or incentives may be needed to reduce risk
More choices are needed in rural areas
40. KEY ASPECTS OF AGRICULTURAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
89% of those that responded indicated that
addressing Broadband issues in the South
Central Ozark region was important (53% Very
important)
41. KEY ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
89% of those that responded indicated that current
processes and procedures encourage the use of
broadband. Examples of these uses include:
Is essential to do business/serve our clients
Marketing
Information searches
Communication with members and the community
Send and receive reports and food orders
Acquire data to determine eligibility for multiple programs
Facilitate assistance programs
44% of respondents indicated that minimum broadband
standards are not met, “barely” met or “Don’t know”.
Need the phone company to make it happen
Broadband is very cost-prohibitive for non-profits
42. KEY ASPECTS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
89% of respondents indicated that it is important
(67% said “very important”) to address broadband
issues in the region. These include:
Clients need access to broadband service. Without it,
information that could be transported electronically,
must be delivered physically
Small, rural communities need it to draw businesses
and families to the area
Would increase efficiency and save time
Better, real-time information could be provided to a
large network of people
43. KEY ASPECTS OF TOURISM SECTOR USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
62% of those that responded indicated that current
processes and procedures encourage the use of
broadband. Examples of these uses include:
Financial transactions and data transfers
Offer internet to customers
Our website is our window to the world. 80% of our
business is via the Internet
Supply ordering and other business communications
Research
38% said their processes do not encourage the use of
broadband, because it is not available to them
44. KEY ASPECTS OF TOURISM SECTOR USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
50% indicated that their Broadband access and
availability does not meet minimum standards
for effective use by both destination locations
and tourists. Needs and problems include:
Speed is too slow
Not available to many area attractions
45. KEY ASPECTS OF TOURISM SECTOR USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
50% indicate that Broadband technology is cost prohibitive.
Problems include:
Lack of availability
High cost. One respondent indicated a $19,000 contract was
needed to get T-1 service
All agree that it is very important that broadband issues be
addressed in the region.
Cannot compete with other tourism-oriented businesses without
broadband
Tourists expect broadband and internet connectivity while on
vacation
Lack of high-speed internet is slowing the growth of our company
Lack of broadband hurts repeat business
46. KEY ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE USE OF INTERNET AND
BROADBAND
100% of respondents indicated that current
processes and procedures encourage the use
of broadband. Examples of these uses include:
Sending and receiving of patient information
(medical records, x-rays, lab work, vital records,
immunizations, etc.)
Medical billing
Communications with physicians, schools, other
health departments and agencies
Researching health information
Uploads and reports to the State
47. KEY ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE USE OF INTERNET AND
BROADBAND
100% indicated that healthcare providers are
properly trained to use broadband technology
effectively.
22% indicated that broadband technology is
cost prohibitive, while 56% indicated that they
didn’t know
One respondent indicated that if infrastructure cost
is subsidized, the savings to the providers should
be passed on to customers
48. KEY ASPECTS OF HEALTHCARE USE OF INTERNET AND
BROADBAND
89% indicate that Broadband access and availability
meets minimum standards for effective healthcare
applications. Needs and problems for the remaining
11% include:
Slow speeds at branch clinics
High cost of reliable service
100% indicate that it is very important (67%) or
important that broadband access and availability issues
be addressed in the region.
Broadband is very important to the provision of timely, high
quality healthcare
Broadband needs to be available to rural homes as well as
rural population centers
Improvements are needed in speed and dependability of
service
49. KEY ASPECTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
50% of those that responded indicated that
current processes and procedures encourage the
use of broadband. Examples of these uses
include:
Fast, reliable connection to the main campus
Conduct research
Access on-line classes and library services
Provide student support services
Where broadband is not an option, on-line
programs cannot be promoted and instructors of
seated classes won’t use an on-line component in
their classes.
50. KEY ASPECTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
50% indicated that Broadband access and availability
meet minimum standards for effective higher education
applications.
For students living in rural areas, online classes are not a
viable option
50% indicated that broadband technology is not cost
prohibitive (50% don’t know).
100% indicate that it is very important that broadband
issues be addressed in the South Central Ozark region.
Broadband needs to be just as available as telephone and
electricity
Commuter savings would be substantial if they could
participate in on-line classes
Available options may be cost prohibitive for many students
51. KEY ASPECTS OF K-12 EDUCATIONAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
92% of those that responded indicated that
current processes and procedures encourage the
use of broadband. Examples of these uses
include:
Accessing on-line study aids
Provision of student information
Classroom use of eMINTS as a delivery system for
curriculum
Access to multiple web-based student assessment
programs
Records, billing and payroll
Reporting to the State
Access to professional development information and
training
52. KEY ASPECTS OF K-12 EDUCATIONAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
77% indicated that their Broadband access and
availability does meet minimum standards.
Increased bandwidth and speed are needed
Expansion in service is cost-prohibitive
Service at school is adequate, but for many of our
rural students … not even close
We have benefited from recent upgrades
53. KEY ASPECTS OF K-12 EDUCATIONAL USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
92% believe that it is very important (85%) or
important to address broadband availability and
adoption issues in the region (8% indicated
somewhat important).
The best possible, technology-enhanced curriculum is
needed to prepare our students for occupations that
don’t even exist yet
Parent and student access to district information and
programs are limited because of limited internet
service in our region
Location in the state should not limit the opportunities
of students
54. KEY ASPECTS OF LIBRARY SECTOR USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
100% of respondents indicated that current
processes and procedures encourage the use of
broadband. Examples of these uses include:
Patron Internet use
Access to the circulation system
Branch automation
Web-site and social media promotion of library
programs
75% of those that responded to the question
indicated that library broadband access and
availability does meet minimum standards for staff
and patron applications.
Minimum standards are met because of MOREnet
Our locations could benefit from increased bandwidth
55. KEY ASPECTS OF LIBRARY SECTOR USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
100% of respondents indicated that it is very
important that broadband issues be addressed
in the region.
Our operations depend on Internet access
75% of patrons use the public computers at least
twice a week for bandwidth-intensive applications
Faster speeds are needed at a lower cost
56. KEY ASPECTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
100% of those that responded to the questions
indicated that current processes and
procedures encourage the use of broadband.
Examples of these uses include:
Internetis used by all departments daily
Procurement
Reporting
Research
Applying for grants
Communication with other local governments and
the State
57. KEY ASPECTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
67% indicated that their Broadband access and
availability does meet minimum standards for
effective online government services.
Internetaccess is at all needed locations
Current access allows us to do everything we need
to do
Unknown for the future
58. KEY ASPECTS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
67% indicated that broadband technology was not
cost prohibitive.
It is not, however, affordable, for most individuals
100% of those that responded to the question
indicate that addressing broadband services and
adoption issues is very important
All offices require internet access for the performance
of their duties
Economic development is not feasible without
broadband
Everyone should have access to broadband, even those
that are “too far” out of town
59. KEY ASPECTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
100% of those that responded indicated that
current processes and procedures use
broadband. Examples of these uses include:
Secure, timely transmission of data to other
locations
Monitor weather radar and communicate with
National Weather Service
Remotely access data and video
Communicate with other agencies
60. KEY ASPECTS OF PUBLIC SAFETY USE OF INTERNET
AND BROADBAND
Respondents indicated high levels of dissatisfaction with
certain aspects of their current broadband services,
including:
Speed
Reliability
Customer service
Installation
100% indicated that broadband is very important to
their day-to-day operations and that it would be
beneficial if broadband was enhanced in the region.
We have a dedicated line for video conferencing; any other
video is difficult to monitor
Solid, speedy connections need to be ensured to deliver
data in a timely manner
61. KEY ASPECTS OF THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT USE
OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND
100% of those that responded to the question
indicated that current training processes and
procedures encourage the use of broadband.
These include:
Internet-based case management system
Jobsearches
Computer-based training
100% indicate that workers are trained to use
broadband technology effectively.
The problem is having the access where needed to
use the technology
62. KEY ASPECTS OF THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT USE
OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND
Those that responded indicated that broadband in
the region does not meet minimum standards for
effective e-commerce, training and business
applications.
Current systems are slow
Higher speed access would allow many more
opportunities
50% indicate that it is very important for
broadband issues to be addressed in the region
(50% indicated somewhat important). These
include:
The need is throughout the region
Their needs to be a better cost/speed trade off
63. KEY ASPECTS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
85% of respondents indicated that current business
processes and procedures encourage the use of
broadband. Key uses include:
Customer communications
Uploading and downloading large data files
Watching videos and live newscasts
Procurement information
Using VPNs for secure communications
On-line access to construction documents and
specifications
Dispatch communications
Research
Marketing
Website product sales and service hosting
Every aspect of our service relies on the Internet
64. KEY ASPECTS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
23% indicate that people in their business are
not trained to use broadband technology
effectively.
Web-training is very good and effective, when the
broadband connection is working
Regular sessions should be held to discuss planned
and implemented upgrades
Workers have learned how the current employer
wants things done, but need a broader skill set
65. KEY ASPECTS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
60% indicate that broadband access and
availability does not meet minimum standards
for effective business applications. Reasons
include:
Not close enough to the nearest DSL hub
Satellite has problems during bad weather
Need higher upload speeds. Quote for such by
provider is cost prohibitive
Terrain is an issue for wireless internet
All rural counties need better high-speed internet
66. KEY ASPECTS OF THE SMALL BUSINESS USE OF
INTERNET AND BROADBAND
86% of respondents indicated that it is very
important (79%) or important that broadband
service availability and adoption issues be
addressed in the South Central Ozark region.
Specifically:
Need enhanced reliability and decreased cost
It is essential to our business
Rural businesses need the same opportunities for
growth as non-rural businesses
We have an efficient cost of doing business from
our rural location, except for broadband
67. KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROFESSIONAL AND SERVICES
INDUSTRY USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND
100% of those that responded indicated that
current business processes and procedures
encourage the use of broadband. Key uses
include:
Research and investigation
Billing and banking
Calendaring and staff coordination
Access to remote servers and customer service
management systems
Provision of web-store and on-line catalog
Facilitation of a paperless office
Communications with remote staff making home visits
68. KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROFESSIONAL AND SERVICES
INDUSTRY USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND
89% of those that responded indicated that
people in their business are properly trained to
use broadband technology effectively.
Itwould be helpful to have specific training related
to broadband enabled uses
69. KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROFESSIONAL AND SERVICES
INDUSTRY USE OF INTERNET AND BROADBAND
33% indicate that their broadband access and
availability does not meet minimum standards for
effective business applications. Problems and needs
include:
Needs to be more reliable and function at a higher-speed
We cover a 9 County region. Access in more rural areas is
not available
89% of those that responded indicated that it is very
important (67%) or important that broadband service
issues be addressed in the region. Specifically:
Increased access to all will mean increased access to
essential services
Will improve efficiency
It will help greatly with business development
Technology is crucial to keeping up with competitors
70. MORE INDIVIDUAL SECTOR DATA NEEDED
Environmental Sector
Energy Sector
Broadband Provider Sector
Industrial and Manufacturing Sector
72. BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Will identify strategies, and related directions,
initiatives, goals and objectives, that can be
employed by interested parties within the
region.
It is a large scale, high-level planning exercise
It provides specific guideposts and pathways
to better help the region build long term
broadband sustainability
Addresses both availability (supply) and
adoption (demand) within the region.
72
73. BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS
The Strategic Planning process is split into four (4)
phases:
Phase 1 (Completed Today): Needs Assessment and
Existing Information Review – A detailed understanding
of the current broadband climate and the current and
future broadband-related needs in the region.
Phase 2 (Beginning Today): How to move from the
current broadband environment to the one needed
within the region.
Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC)
analysis will be performed.
73
74. SWOC ANALYSIS
The definitions of the four (4) SWOC elements are as
follows:
Strengths – Broadband-related systems, practices,
processes, and resources that are highly valued by the
region.
Weaknesses – Areas that need improvement; reasons why
stakeholders are not able to wholeheartedly embrace
broadband; and, areas that tend to compromise the
achievement of high levels of availability and adoption.
Opportunities – Favorable situations/circumstances not yet
taken advantage of that may positively impact the
development and acceptance of broadband.
Challenges – Present and future situations/circumstances
that may negatively impact broadband development and
acceptance as perceived by the region.
74
75. SWOC ANALYSIS
Phase 2: cont’d
The analysis should cover a wide range of issues
including those centered on:
residential, business and institutional broadband availability
and adoption,
whether available bandwidth(s) are sufficient for current as well
as near and long term needs and applications,
potential upgrade and expansion possibilities,
reliability of existing networks,
related matters.
Providersare asked during Phase 2 to present their
ideas on possibilities for advancing the broadband
environment.
75
77. SWOC ANALYSIS
The definitions of the four (4) SWOC elements are as
follows:
Strengths – Broadband-related systems, practices,
processes, and resources that are highly valued by the
region.
Weaknesses – Areas that need improvement; reasons why
stakeholders are not able to wholeheartedly embrace
broadband; and, areas that tend to compromise the
achievement of high levels of availability and adoption.
Opportunities – Favorable situations/circumstances not yet
taken advantage of that may positively impact the
development and acceptance of broadband.
Challenges – Present and future situations/circumstances
that may negatively impact broadband development and
acceptance as perceived by the region.
77
78. BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PURPOSE
AND PROCESS
Phase 3: Findings Review and Initial Strategic
Plan Element Development – The RTPT will
review the initial findings, priorities, potential
strategic directions and actions, timelines and
resources needed related to those potential
directions.
In this phase, a number of potential strategic
directions and initiatives will be identified,
reviewed, discussed, and then incorporated into the
initial draft of the Strategic Plan.
78
79. BROADBAND STRATEGIC PLANNING PURPOSE
AND PROCESS
Phase 4: Drafting and Finalization of the Strategic
Plan by the RTPT.
The Strategic Plan will consist of :
1. Introduction and Regional Overview
2. Purpose Statement
3 Detailed SWOC Findings and Analysis
4. Strategic Direction(s)
Short, medium and long term goals and objectives to boost broadband
adoption and availability.
Action Items and Implementation Plan
5. Financial, human and organizational resource considerations
6. Timelines and benchmarks for measuring progress
79