Batesville, In. — The Community Foundations in Southeastern Indiana, including the Ripley County and Franklin County Community Foundations, are sharing the cost of a study to determine the region’s digital readiness.
The study by Purdue University Center for Regional Development will provide a “State of Broadband” report for an eight-county region made up of Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties. The Southeastern Regional Planning Commission, which serves the region, is assisting with the report. This report will analyze the broadband footprint in the region, the number of providers, the level of digital readiness of residents and other broadband-related information.
“Widespread access to high-speed internet is vital to our region’s future success because technology is permeating every facet of our lives”, stated Amy Streator, Executive Director of the Ripley County Community Foundation. Streator further noted that, “access to the internet will be necessary for the next generation to do their banking, to apply for jobs and social security benefits, to pay taxes, and to obtain an education or healthcare. This study is a necessary step to ensuring that Southeast Indiana remains relevant as the next generation of technology emerges.”
The public is invited to participate in this study by completing an online survey. The public survey will be open until February 28, 2019. Residents, 18 and older, are encouraged to take the time to complete the 7-9 minute survey to help make the report even more meaningful. A link to the survey is here.
