In December 2007, Connect Arkansas engaged in research to understand where Arkansas stood in internet usage and broadband access. This baseline study was conducted to help Connect Arkansas understand what the broadband needs are for the state, which assisted in the prioritization of programs to meet the demands for growing internet usage (which directly links to economic development for Arkansas).

The study Connect Arkansas engaged in included a set of questions concerning computer and internet usage that were included in a more general study of public perceptions in Arkansas. This general population survey employed random digit dialing. The sample size for the survey was 608 respondents with a margin of error of +/- 4.0%.

Initial survey results indicate the following:

Internet Usage

• 29% of the population has never used the internet.

• Over 50% of households, with an income of less than $30,000, have never used the internet. As
household income increases, however, there is a significant increase in the use of the internet.

Access

• 51% do not have broadband service, while another 7% were unsure of what broadband, or high

speed internet access, meant.

• Even if broadband was affordable and was made available to every household in Arkansas,
30% would not subscribe to the service.

Subscription Rates:

• Of the population that had access to broadband, 74% thought the rates charged were
reasonable.

The results of this survey were obtained to provide a preliminary look at internet usage in Arkansas and closely mirror nationwide surveys indicating that thirty-two percent of adults in the United States do not use the internet. The survey results for Arkansas show the need not only for further infrastructure to deliver broadband access, but the even greater need to engage Arkansas in utilizing the internet in their daily lives.

While this baseline survey is two years old, the data collected in 2007 is still relevant in Arkansas today. This information aided Connect in developing its’ e-Communities program that surveys and addresses regional needs around internet adoption, public access to broadband and developing GIS maps on broadband availability. Going forward, Connect Arkansas expects the initial data revealed in 2007 to begin to see improvements upon further development of the e-Communities program.

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