Wireless Washtenaw Survey Results

Over a two month period, the project team conducted research regarding the potential market for wireless internet in Washtenaw County. This effort involved mailing 2000 surveys to randomly selected Washtenaw County residents. In all, the project team has received 410 responses. Some highlights from the results include:

• 50% of those who currently connect to the internet are still using a dial-up connection,
• 94% of the respondents indicated a willingness to use a wireless connection,
• A large portion of the respondents would utilize a wireless connection inside their home (74%). The remaining segment would use the service on their mobile device or at work,
• The majority of residents, about 60%, do not currently possess wireless hardware for their computer(s),
• 75% of the respondents indicated that they would pay a monthly subscription if the service package is acceptable.

Detailed results from the mailing are available.

Besides the mailing, the Wireless Washtenaw survey was distributed at select community events, such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Washtenaw County 4-H Fair, Chelsea Summer Fest, and the Manchester Riverfolk Festival. This is the same survey that was posted on the Wireless Washtenaw website on July 22, 2005. Altogether, the project team received 1093 responses. The combined results are similar to that of the mailing.

Complete survey results are available.
See a breakdown of who responded to the survey and results for each local unit of government.

In addition to this survey, Eastern Michigan University polled their student body. Again, the results were favorable to Wireless Washtenaw. Results from the EMU survey are available.

Based on these results, the project team is confident that there is an interest within the community to make Wireless Washtenaw a reality. We would like to thank all the residents who took the time to complete the survey. Your contribution is greatly appreciated.

Survey Distribution

The mailing survey targeted the opinion of Washtenaw County residents residing in the rural and suburban areas of the County. The recipients of the mailing survey were randomly selected from a list of registered voters. Accompanying the survey was a summary of the Wireless Washtenaw project and a self-addressed stamped envelop. The overall response rate from the mailing was approximately 20.6%. It should be noted that the recipients were given the option of responding to the survey through the online survey found on the Wireless Washtenaw website; therefore, the response rate might be higher than indicated.