The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD) and the University of Missouri (MU) Extension have partnered to conduct an online survey on household internet access and use.
“As we continue making historic investments in Missouri’s broadband infrastructure, we encourage public feedback to inform our efforts,” said BJ Tanksley, director of the Office of Broadband Development. “Hearing from citizens, in urban and rural areas, is an incredibly valuable part of understanding our state’s needs. This survey from our colleagues at the University of Missouri will play a vital role in informing future investments, achieving a digitally inclusive future, and helping Missourians prosper.”
As part of the survey, OBD and MU Extension is asking households about current internet use, including devices, connections, and applications, as well as barriers to using the internet, including financial obstacles and training and assistance needs. The survey says feedback will be used to “guide state internet expansion and training efforts.”
In a press release, OBD stressed that “achieving the full economic benefit of broadband expansion requires both the availability of connections and their adoption and use, which is vital for telemedicine, education, business, and more.”
“The survey will be used to obtain community feedback to support the development of additional data-driven tools and outreach reinforcing OBD’s broadband efforts across the state,” said Alison Copeland, the University of Missouri System’s deputy chief engagement officer and manager of the UM System Broadband Initiative.
