Tuesday, September 10, 2002

Connected Nation ‘Online and In Touch’ Survey Reveals Broadband Subscribers Are Healthier

Connected Nation ‘Online and In Touch’ Survey Reveals Broadband Subscribers Are Healthier

Seventy-two percent of broadband subscribers who obtain healthcare information online agree that broadband has empowered them to become healthier.

Washington, DC (Vocus) June 24, 2008

According to today’s release from Connected Nation, the healthcare applications available on the Internet improve the quality of life of broadband users in Kentucky. Kentuckians turned to the Internet in search of healthcare information as broadband availability and adoption increased. The increased use of online healthcare is an advantage for Kentucky as it is often understood to be a relatively unhealthy state. Improved broadband penetration is a new asset that is helping turn that tide.

Key findings:
 Residents with broadband are 53% more likely to use the Internet for healthcare applications than the state average.  Subscribers of all income levels take advantage of online healthcare resources when broadband is available in the home.  72% of broadband subscribers who obtain healthcare information online agree that broadband has empowered them to become healthier.  Broadband subscribers who say they became healthier report savings on average of $217 per person.

These statistics are derived from Connected Nation’s third installment of the six-part Online and In Touch research series that highlights Kentucky technology trends as identified in ConnectKentucky’s 2007 Kentucky Technology Assessment. The Online and In Touch series emphasizes the growth in services enabled by broadband including: eGovernment services, Employment Trends, Online Healthcare, Impact of Online Healthcare and Telework.

The Online and In Touch series is the culmination of Connected Nation’s comprehensive assessment highlighting Kentuckians’ use of computers, the Internet and technology in general. The survey involved nearly 11,000 Kentuckians representing each of Kentucky’s 120 counties. Broadband subscribership in Kentucky has grown by 100%, a dramatic increase compared to the national growth rate.

To view the full report on broadband’s impact on healthcare, visit www. connectkentucky. org.

About Connected Nation: Connected Nation is widely recognized as the nation’s model for improving digital inclusion. Connected Nation expands access to and use of broadband Internet and the related technologies that are enabled when communities and families have the opportunity and desire to connect. For the United States, this means better education, more jobs, improved healthcare, more efficient government and a better quality of life. Connected Nation is the parent company of ConnectKentucky, Kentucky’s non-profit technology-based economic development organization.

For more information about Connected Nation, visit www. connectednation. org.

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