Connected Tennessee Announces Results of State's First Comprehensive Technology Survey |
Connected Tennessee's Technology Assessment highlights the use of
computers and the Internet by Tennessee residents, businesses
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, 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% 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% 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 website, 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 website at
http://www.connectedtennessee.org.
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; and
-- A meaningful online presence for all Tennessee communities, to
improve citizen services and promote economic development
through e-government, virtual education and online healthcare.
Connected Tennessee is leading the way into a new economy for
Tennesseans. As Tennessee's technology-based economic development
partnership, Connected Tennessee is a public-private alliance of leaders
from private industry, government and education. By leveraging the latest
in technology and networking, Connected Tennessee is ensuring Tennessee
remains the place of choice to work, live and raise a family.
About Connected Tennessee: As a public-private partnership, Connected
Tennessee partners with technology-minded businesses, government entities
and universities to accelerate technology in the state. For more
information about what Connected Tennessee is doing to accelerate
technology in Tennessee's communities, visit http://www.connectedtennessee.org.
SOURCE Connected Tennessee
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CONTACT:
Mandy Hale of Connected Tennessee,
+1-615-242-9508, mhale@connectedtn.org
