Telecommunications: The City of Bainbridge Island and Bainbridge Economic Council island-wide survey of telecommunication needs finds demand for telecommunications infrastructure improvements; more Internet access options, and better cellular telephone reception. Data gathered in August through 390 telephone interviews showed that 42% of island businesses are located in the home, and for 52% of these their home office is their primary source of income; 86% of Island homes and businesses are on the Internet and 79% still depend on regular telephone lines for their Internet connections; 17% connect to the Internet via a DSL connection but 57% would like to have DSL Forty eight per cent are willing to pay more for high-speed Internet access; 50% use the Internet for after hours online work from home. Bainbridge Islanders use the internet for financial reasons as well: 69% purchase goods and services, 38% bank on line, and 25% use the Internet for on line investing. Regarding cell phone use on Bainbridge Island, 62% said they use, or try to use a cellular phone on Bainbridge. Poor reception was cited in more than 33 locations on the island, especially downtown Winslow, Miller Road, and Fletcher Bay Road. Northland Cable (now owned by AT&T) is the preferred television service for 50% of respondents; 19% have chosen satellite reception; 31% do not subscribe to either cable or satellite services. Bainbridge Island Broadcasting (BIB) is watched by 44% of Northland Cable subscribers. Thirty two percent said they would like to see BIB expand to include more community events (29%) and more programs on island history (27%).

 

---