Connected Tennessee Announces Results of State's First Comprehensive Technology Survey

On Friday, Connected Tennessee announced the release of the State of Tennessee's first comprehensive technology survey -- Tennessee's Technology Trends 2007. The two-part assessment highlights use and impact of computers, the Internet and broadband technology among Tennessee residents and businesses. The survey involves nearly 10,000 Tennesseans and more than 800 businesses representing each of Tennessee's 95 counties.

The first portion of the survey examines technology use among Tennessee residents according to various key factors such as geographic region, age, education and income.

The survey found that, on average, 43 percent of Tennesseans have a broadband connection in their home. However, only 19 of the 95 counties in Tennessee currently meet or surpass that average. Contributing to that statistic are the rural areas of the state, which tend to fall dramatically short of the state average of broadband adoption. Only 27 percent of residents in rural communities have a high-speed Internet connection. Some noteworthy exceptions include the rural counties of Cumberland, Weakley and Cheatham counties, where broadband adoption rates exceed that of the state average.

"These survey results verify that the governor's focus on rural economic development is strategically sound," says Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. "Technology is a critical component to business growth and expansion. We must work to level the technology playing field in our rural communities in order for them to more effectively compete in today's marketplace."

The second portion of the survey assesses the use of technology among Tennessee businesses. When examining key factors such as broadband adoption, presence of a Web site, and the Internet's impact on business success, the survey shows a correlation between the presence of a broadband connection and higher company revenue. On average, businesses using computers, high-speed Internet, and selling goods or services online, have higher revenues than businesses not utilizing those technologies.

"The use of broadband technology is enhancing businesses and organizations all across the state," says Connected Tennessee's Executive Director Michael Ramage. "High-speed Internet enables business owners to live in a rural area and sell their products around the world and large companies to work more efficiently. Broadband is a catalyst for increased profit for Tennessee's businesses."

The complete findings of Tennessee's Technology Trends 2007 can be downloaded from Connected Tennessee's Web site.

The data gathered from Tennessee's Technology Trends 2007 will help Connected Tennessee localize efforts to improve technology availability and adoption among Tennessee residents and businesses. Connected Tennessee's mission is to close the digital divide in Tennessee by creating and growing a collaborative network among telecommunications and information technology providers, public agencies, business and community leaders, researchers and universities in an effort to meet the five comprehensive goals of Governor Bredeson's Trail to Innovation:

• Affordable broadband technology for all Tennessee
• Dramatically improved use of computers and the Internet by all Tennesseans
• The formation of eCommunity Leadership Teams in every county -- local leaders who assemble to develop and implement technology growth strategies for local government, business and industry, education, healthcare, agriculture, libraries, tourism and community-based organizations
• A policy and regulatory framework that encourages continued investment in communications and information technologies year after year
• A meaningful online presence for all Tennessee communities, to improve citizen services and promote economic development through e-government, virtual education and online healthcare.
  

As a public-private partnership, Connected Tennessee partners with technology-minded businesses, government entities and universities to accelerate technology in the state.