New survey launched to assess broadband internet access

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Monroe County is asking the following question: Do you need high-speed internet, but struggle with the high cost or limited access to internet providers? Monroe County wants to hear from you.

County Executive Adam Bello and the Monroe County Broadband Advisory Task Force, in partnership with Magellan Advisors, are asking residents to take part in a survey assessing internet services in low-income and rural areas of Monroe County.

“Nearly one-fifth of city households and one-third of rural households do not have access to high-speed internet. In the year 2022, that is unacceptable,” said County Executive Bello. “This survey is two-fold as it will identify the barriers and locations that prevent access to affordable high-speed internet and help us structure a plan to provide quality internet access to all of our residents. In return, better access to high-speed broadband also will attract new businesses to our region, drive economic growth, support education and strengthen our community.”

The advisory task force is asking that residents fill out the survey online with a laptop or computer directly plugged into a home or business network router. Physical copies of the survey can be filled out at Monroe County Library systems if you do not have access to a computer.

An internet “speed test” will be performed while filling out the survey. This information is critical to outlining the communities with the biggest need when it comes to higher-speed internet.

If a smartphone is your only option to connect to the internet, the county asks that you connect to WIFI and not cellular data. If possible, the county asks that you take the survey at peak internet use periods between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The survey is available in English and Spanish. You can access both versions of the survey by clicking this link.