“We have long known that our telecommunications infrastructure on Bainbridge Island is inadequate for today’s needs,” stated Wini Jones, President of Bainbridge Economic Council. “This survey provides statistically valid evidence of the shortcomings of high speed internet access availability, television service and cellular telephone reception on the island.”

The survey data was gathered in August through 390 telephone interviews resulting in a statistically valid sample with a 95 percent confidence level.

Primary funding was provided by the Bainbridge Economic Council and the City of Bainbridge Island, with additional financial support from the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Kitsap Public Utilities District, The Day Road Business Association, Dick Abrams, Airbiquity Inc., and West Coast Paper.

The survey revealed that 86 percent of Island homes and businesses are connected to the internet and 79 percent still depend on telephone lines for that connection. It also showed that 17 percent connect via DSL and another 57 percent would like to have DSL. Forty eight per cent are willing to pay more for high-speed access and a surprisingly high 50 percent said they use the internet for after hours online work from home.

Islanders also use the internet for financial reasons as well, with 69 percent purchasing goods and services, 38 percent banking online and 25 percent investing there.

Wireless telephone use and reception on Bainbridge was a hot button issue with most respondents. In fact, 62 percent said they use — or try to use — a wireless phone on Bainbridge. Most wireless users, residents and non-residents alike, know Bainbridge is noted for its lack of quality service, and people didn’t hesitate to express their displeasure with reception — or lack of it — on the island, offering more than 150 comments. Poor reception was cited in more than 33 locations on the island, especially downtown Winslow, Miller Road, and Fletcher Bay Road.

The survey showed that wireless market leaders are Verizon (38 percent), AT&T (36 percent) and Qwest (12 percent). Northland Cable is the preferred television service for 50 percent of the respondents, with 19 percent choosing satellite reception and 31 percent not subscribing to either. Bainbridge Island Broadcasting (BIB) is watched by 44 percent of Northland Cable subscribers, and 32 percent said they would like to see BIB expand its programming to include more community events (29 percent) and more programs on island history (27 percent).

“It is essential that we know the needs of our community for telecommunications services. A valid survey is the logical first step. With the survey in hand, we are now in a position to develop appropriate plans that promote cost effective services,” said Mayor Dwight Sutton.