Laserfiche WebLink
or no high-speed services available, dial-up access is more prevalent. The <br />most common types of Internet access are via: <br />o Cable modem; <br />o Dial-up; <br />o DSL; <br />o Satellite; <br />o Wireless. <br />The most popular Internet service providers (ISP's) in this area are: <br />o Cable company (Comcast in Saint Anthony village); <br />o Qwest; <br />o AOL; <br />o Net Zero; <br />o MS -N; and <br />o Several others. <br />• Price is a key factor for residents in determining their willingness to switch <br />Internet services. Many are interested if a service is offered below $25 per <br />month, but the willingness to switch drops as the price of the service rises. <br />• The majority of respondents to recent surveys feel that cities should have a <br />role in ensuring access to competitively priced Internet connectivity. Some <br />of the roles mentioned include: <br />o Make rules to promote competition; <br />o Install a network and lease to private firms; <br />o Become a provider of high-speed Internet; <br />o No role. <br />When asked about financial support of a possible city -provided wireless <br />network, the majority are in favor of a network supported on subscriber <br />revenue only. A much smaller percentage is willing to support a network <br />using subscriber revenues and tax dollars. <br />• Some respondents to recent surveys indicate the following concerns <br />regarding a potential wireless network: <br />o Security; <br />o Lack of high-speed options and providers. <br />2.3 Area Business Use and Demand <br />Based on our market research conducted in the Twin Cities area, we offer the <br />following insights and information about business use and demand: <br />• The majority of businesses are small - most with less than ten employees. <br />2-9 <br />71 <br />