Oneida, Herkimer counties seek broadband input from residents, businesses

UTICA, N.Y. — Oneida and Herkimer counties are urging residents and businesses to participate in an online survey that will help to assess broadband needs and advance availability.

The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) is hosting the survey, per an Oneida County news release.

“This survey is the first step in bridging the digital divide in Oneida County,” Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. said “It has never been clearer than during this pandemic how vital reliable access to broadband is to our residents and businesses. From remote learning to online meetings to virtual health care to ordering products and supplies, being connected to the internet has become an absolute necessity. We must ensure that all of our communities are on equal footing.”

The survey is available at www.mveddbroadband.com until Aug 7, 2021. Participants will find separate surveys for residents and businesses of each county, as well as an internet connection speed test.

Oneida and Herkimer counties, MVEDD, and the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties have partnered to fund a “Broadband Availability and Adoption Campaign,” which, in addition to the survey, includes an assessment that establishes an inventory of broadband infrastructure.

Broadband access includes not only making sure that people have access to “reliable and high quality” internet services by ensuring adequate build out of physical infrastructure, but also making sure that residents can adopt these services into their life once they are available, the counties say.

“For a small rural community like Herkimer County, the expansion of broadband is crucial for economic, educational and health advancement,” Herkimer County Chairman Vincent Bono said.

The information collected from the survey will be kept confidential. Organizers will use the survey results to help develop a plan for improving internet access throughout the region and provide the basis for securing federal and state grants to implement the plan.

Those who would like to participate, but do not have internet or cellular phone access, can contact MVEDD at ‪(315) 838-5398 for assistance.