IT & COMMUNICATIONS
What is This Indicator?
Percent of Vermont households that have a computer, an Internet connection or a broadband connection.
(University of Vermont Center for Rural Studies 2009 Vermonter Poll)
The percentage of households that have a computer, an Internet connection or a broadband connection are all increasing. While the percentage of households with broadband access has increased, about 1/3 still do not have a broadband connection.
For more than a decade, the Center for Rural Studies' Vermonter Poll has collected data on computer ownership and Internet connectivity among Vermont households. Overall the percentage of households with computers has held steady just above 80% for several years. Household Internet connectivity has risen to nearly match computer ownership (81.7% in 2009). In the meantime, the proportion of these Internet connections that are “high-speed” or “broadband” continues its steady rise. Overall, 66.8% of Vermont households had broadband in 2009.
Why is it Important?
The use of information technology and the Internet has expanded dramatically, but many are concerned about a “Digital Divide.” This term refers to inequalities in the access that people have to information technology and Internet resources. While those in more rural parts of Vermont face connectivity challenges, we are fortunate to have broadband access in most parts of Chittenden County.
The Center for Rural Studies poll has shown, however, that there are an income-based divides in household computer ownership and connectivity. According to this year’s poll, 44% of responding households making less than $25,000/year have computers, compared to 83% of all households and 91% of households making more than $25,000.
The poll also indicates lower income households in that group are slightly less likely to have broadband than others. According to the poll, 76% of households with Internet making less than $50,000 have broadband versus 85% of households making more.
Broadband access is no longer a luxury. People who lack access are excluded from opportunities that can make the difference in getting a job, buying or renting a home, or participating in civic activities.
What is This Indicator?
Number of subscribers to the Front Porch Forum, a network of online neighborhood forums covering all 19 towns of Chittenden County.
(Front Porch Forum)
The number of subscribers has been steadily increasing since Front Porch Forum's inception.
Front Porch Forum (FPF) hosts a network of 130 online neighborhood forums that blankets all of Chittenden County, VT. FPF membership has grown steadily to 14,000 (out of 60,000 possible households).
Why is it Important?
FPF helps neighbors connect and build community. Subscribing to FPF helps people get informed and feel more connected to their neighborhood and those they live near. Over time, many people report increased social capital (they know more people) and heightened civic engagement (they get more involved in local events and issues).
