Digital Equity Community Survey to Identify Internet Needs and Gaps in Bloomington

Bloomington, Ind. - In the next few days, a randomized sample of 6500 Bloomington households will be receiving a survey from the City of Bloomington to assess how residents use internet services.  The City is conducting a Digital Equity Community Survey to identify broadband service needs and gaps in the community -- including those related to access, affordability, digital literacy, and device ownership -- and develop a strategic plan for mitigating those gaps to improve internet accessibility and affordability for Bloomington residents.  Although plans to conduct the survey were made before the COVID-19 pandemic, the current crisis highlights the need for digital equity to allow all residents to work, study, and stay connected.  

Mailed to residents earlier this week, the survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and may be returned in the enclosed postage-paid envelope by May 20.  Residents with and without internet access at home who receive the survey are encouraged to complete all sections that apply to them.  The responses gathered will be anonymized and personal contact information will not be shared.  The City partnered with CTC Technology and Energy to conduct this scientific survey. CTC has conducted comparable surveys and helped develop digital equity strategies for cities including Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington.