Signs like this are popping up around Oakland County – in front yards, outside local libraries and beyond. Let’s take a look at the project behind the signs and what it means for Oakland County residents.
Q: What is the tri-county broadband survey, and why should I take it?
A: Michigan ranks 27th in the nation for internet coverage, speed and availability. The survey asks residents and business owners in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties about their access to high-quality, affordable internet access. Results from the survey will help your Oakland County commissioners and other legislative leaders understand where upgrades are needed and apply for state and federal grants to fill those gaps. And, it only takes about 5 minutes to complete the survey!
Increasing regional broadband accessibility was one of the goals leaders of the three counties pledged to continue work on during the Tri-County Summit in 2022.
Q: Who is collecting this information? I don’t want my personal information sold or misused.
A: Merit Network, a Michigan-based nonprofit, brings five decades of experience in network, security and community services to help reach residents and businesses in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. This effort is part of its Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to connect everyone in Michigan regardless of geography.
The information collected is used ONLY to support internet expansion efforts.
Q: How can I take the online survey if I don’t have internet access in the first place?
A: Surveys are being mailed to some households. If you need a paper survey or have questions about the survey, call 313-625-0029.
Q: I’ve been hearing about internet and broadband infrastructure for months. Don’t you have enough data?
A: No. The input of tri-county residents and businesses is critical to determining which communities are underserved. This will help local legislators make decisions related to future infrastructure projects.
Q: Can I take the survey on my cell phone?
A: Yes, but please use your home internet connection to connect to it.
Q: Before I can even access the survey, I’m being asked if I do or do not have fixed internet at my home or business. What does that mean? And, aren’t internet and broadband the same thing?
A: Fixed internet, such as wired and satellite internet and DSL, provide internet access to a single location. It is “fixed” and not mobile. If you have Wi-Fi throughout your home through a cable company, this is considered fixed internet.
Broadband is internet but refers to its speed. Broadband is the level of high-speed internet that lets us upload and download video, data and images as well as stream movies and music in our homes and businesses without many interruptions or lag time.
Q: Can I take the survey in a language other than English?
A: Yes! The survey is available in English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Arabic and Chinese.
Q: What is the deadline to submit this survey?
A: Merit Network and Oakland County leaders urge residents and businesses to complete the survey today by clicking here to ensure as many user experiences as possible are captured.
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