All Oakland County Residents Asked to Complete Regional Broadband Survey

Survey will help officials understand needs, develop solutions

Post Date:06/01/2023 11:52 AM

June 1, 2023, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. – In partnership with Macomb and Wayne, Oakland County has launched a survey to help understand access to broadband, also known as high-speed internet, around the region. The survey will help local officials determine where infrastructure and service must be improved to meet the modern needs of residents. The effort is a result of a pledge county commissioners made during the 2022 Tri-County Summit to collaborate and share resources in order to make a greater impact collectively.

“This project is a top priority for our county, and it demonstrates how our region is working together better than ever,” Oakland County Board Chair David T. Woodward said. “The results from this survey are critical to maximizing our access to resources so we can address barriers.”

It is critical that all residents complete the survey and provide accurate information. Results will identify areas of Michigan that do not have high-speed internet or have poor internet service, plus areas where service is unaffordable.

“Widespread and affordable access to broadband service is more important than ever for our residents, our students and our businesses,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This survey is the first step toward identifying gaps in service so we can make the necessary investments to ensure equitable access to the internet.”

To identify gaps in internet service and affordability issues, the three counties have partnered with Merit Network, a Michigan-based nonprofit to develop a survey and promotional materials to reach all properties in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties. The effort is part of Merit’s Michigan Moonshot initiative, which aims to leverage partnerships to connect everyone in Michigan regardless of geography.

Residents can visit MichiganMoonshot.org/Tri-County-Broadband to complete the brief survey. Paper surveys are available upon request by calling 313-625-0029.