MPSC: CONNECT MICHIGAN RELEASES REPORT ON BROADBAND ACCESS AND CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY HABITS.

LANSING, MI -- The following information was released by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA):

MPSC: Connect Michigan Releases Report on Broadband Access and Consumer Technology Habits

Connect Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), today released a new broadband planning report bringing the state one step closer to closing the digital divide. This report - an assessment of the state's broadband landscape - is designed to be a catalyst for discussions on key policy goals and strategies to expand and enhance broadband opportunities for all Michigan residents.

"Michigan is making steady progress in identifying ways to expand broadband availability and adoption," said Orjiakor Isiogu, chairman of the MPSC. "The report issued today pinpoints the areas where broadband does not yet exist, and it helps us better understand the barriers that have prevented people from adopting broadband where it is available."

"We are pleased to be partnering with the Michigan Public Service Commission and leaders of the healthcare, tourism, education, agriculture, and business sector to address the economic development opportunities that are realized through broadband," said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connect Michigan's nonprofit parent organization, Connected Nation. "This report presents Michigan policymakers with a statistical snapshot of broadband adoption at the county level - data critical for translating technology trends into actionable intelligence that will help us promote broadband adoption statewide."

Connect Michigan conducted surveys of residential technology use to understand broadband demand trends across the state. The residential findings are a resource for anyone interested in understanding the common uses of technology in the state. The purpose of this research is to better understand the drivers and barriers so that planning efforts can begin tackling the core issues that affect technology and broadband adoption. Importantly, it demonstrates how local officials can utilize Connect Michigan resources to increase broadband availability in the future.

Highlights from the report:

Statewide, 82 percent of all residents own a home computer. This translates into over 1.3 million adults in Michigan without a home computer, and close to three fourths of those without a computer say they do not believe they need one.

Ten percent of adults surveyed report that their only way of accessing the Internet is at a location outside their home.

Michigan's 67 percent broadband adoption rate indicates that approximately 30 percent of Michigan households have broadband available, but for various reasons, are choosing not to subscribe to the service in the home.

Broadband is local. Forty-three percent of Michigan residents who do not have home broadband service say it is because they do not need Internet service or don't understand the benefits it affords. For many, it is a matter of making the technology relevant for the user.

Sixteen percent of Michigan households who do not subscribe to home broadband service report a lack of available broadband service. In many cases, the consumer is simply not aware that a broadband service provider is in their area. Connect Michigan has published a real-time broadband availability map that allows consumers to search for area providers.

Eight percent of non-computer owners report they don't have one because computers are too complicated, a digital literacy barrier that can be addressed through training programs.

Connect Michigan is working to unite public and private partners to increase the access, adoption, and use of broadband throughout the state. Connect Michigan recently hosted the first Collaborative Broadband Committee meeting. The committee has representatives from the various sectors each bringing unique perspectives to address technology use in schools, hospitals, rural communities and businesses.

All Michigan residents are encouraged to visit the Connect Michigan website, connectmi.org , to join in this initiative and offer feedback. The website gives residents a one-stop portal where they can find broadband providers at their address, check their current Internet speeds, notify officials of unserved areas, and share stories of how high-speed Internet has affected their lives.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

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