WILLMAR—If you live in rural Kandiyohi County and get a phone call next month asking about your broadband service, don’t hang up.

The telephone survey is being conducted during May as part of a countywide broadband feasibility study, and organizers want—and need—the public to participate.

“We want to make sure people recognize the study and respond. That’s critical,” said Connie Schmoll, business development specialist with the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission.

The feasibility study is seen as a key step in positioning Kandiyohi County to bring broadband services to where they’re needed the most. A contract between Kandiyohi County and Communications Network Engineering was signed earlier this month to undertake the study, which will be completed later this year.

Among the data being collected is consumer input. To ensure the survey results are statistically valid, the consultants are aiming for at least 376 complete survey responses.

Callers are targeting rural areas of the county that are currently unserved or underserved.

Respondents will be asked several questions about internet, television and other communications services.

The survey will include questions about prices for services and how much individuals are currently paying for services. Responses will help provide information on consumer preferences, competitive standards and pricing sensitivities.

All information collected will be confidential.

Responses will be aggregated so no individually identifiable information is retained. The surveyors will not ask for credit card information or payment.

Individual phone surveys will take anywhere from a few minutes to approximately 15 minutes to answer.

It’s important to the overall study to have good local data—and for that to happen, the public needs to participate in the survey, Schmoll said.

“We need the responses of people from Kandiyohi County,” she said. “We just really want to promote this.”

West Central Tribune by Anne Polta