Who can participate in the surveys?

    We are collecting information from two main groups of internet users. Each group has their own survey link.

    • City of Hamilton Residential, Farm, and Home-Based Business Broadband Survey: For all residential users of the internet including farms where there is also a residence at the premise and seasonal dwellings such as cottages.

    • City of Hamilton Business Survey: For all non-residential premises where a business of any size is operated.

    What questions are in the surveys?

    The questions vary according to the type of user group. All surveys will ask about internet service at the premise. Information about internet connectivity includes the type of connection and access, download and upload speeds, number of on-site users, etc.

    What information should you have on hand to answer the survey?

    Participants should have their Telecom Service Provider name and monthly costs for your Internet service information at hand. For Business Users with multiple sites, please have the list of user sites and addresses available to input into the survey.

    How long does it take to complete the survey?

    Depending on the detail provided in your answers, it should take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

    Can I start and then finish the survey at a later time/date?

    Yes, if you use the same computer and browser where you launched the survey from originally. Once you open the survey link and begin to complete the survey your information will be saved.

    Is the information I provide kept confidential?

    Participation in this survey is voluntary; you may decline to answer any of the questions except the granting of consent and location. Your responses to the survey will be made anonymous and your responses will remain confidential. No personal identifiers will be reported or shared that would allow you to be identified without your consent.

    The information helps to assess and address current opportunities and challenges related to Internet connectivity. This information uses could include support funding request, designs, build and evaluate broadband access and use in the rural and urban areas of the City of Hamilton.

    For analytical purposes, the City of Hamilton collaborates with the University of Guelph’s R2B2 Project. The City of Hamilton and R2B2 Project will only publish aggregate survey data, which does not include your address or any other specific responses to the survey that can be used to identify you. Any personal information you provide is in accordance with section 11 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25.   

    Note about online surveys: Because data collection occurs via the internet, complete confidentiality of the data cannot be guaranteed. If you are using a public computer to complete this survey remember to:

    1. Erase the history
    2. Empty the cache
    3. Close the browser

    Is there an alternative format available for the survey?

    Yes, email broadband@hamilton.ca to request a print version and details on how it can returned via mail, email or fax.  

    COVID-19 has meant that many of us are working from home or attending school online. How do I answer the survey questions about telecommuting and use of internet?

    You should answer the questions in the current context of your internet use. We want to know your internet user needs now, and if requested, in the future. We realize that due to the “stay at home” policy in Ontario some people are using the internet more often, including running a business from home.  

    Who can I contact if I have additional questions?

    Question can be emailed to broadband@hamilton.ca.