Why is it Important?
The value of the Internet increases as it gains more and more participation.
Learn how widespread Broadband availability can deliver accelerated economic value today, rather than in decades
Broadband is a universal facilatator
Sometimes we lose sight of what broadband has meant for so many different industries. As people become more and more immersed in their profession or hobby, broadband becomes a critical facilitator of that pursuit.
The use of broadband is often compared to the introduction of electricity in the United States. Broadband is even being defined by policy makers as a necessity, in the same category as electricity, heat, and phone service.
A recent study by Strategic Networks Group (SNG) points out that just being connected is not sufficient for exploiting the value of the Internet...
It's about receiving and creating value in all of the many possible ways businesses and people can.
In a new article SNG concludes:
Another dimension to the digital divide has emerged, as not everyone is equally able to use and benefit from the Internet, even when they have and use the Internet.
-- by Derek Murphy & Michael Curri
Broadband is no longer an optional service only for the affluent. It's a prerequisite for quality of life and business success everywhere.
It allows Arizonians more affordable and efficient access to basic infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, public safety and government services; as well as supporting businesses large and small in connecting with local, national, and global markets and suppliers.
Broadband can really make a difference in rural America and help people grow small businesses, create jobs, support education and health care.
Without adequate Internet speeds, small businesses will stagnate or crumble, as will rural economies, leaving residents with little choice but to move to larger, and already congested, cities and urban areas.
If we lose momentum, we may be left behind in the wake of states whose policymakers are enthusiastically embracing these emerging technologies.
Harnessed effectively, Broadband connectivity will be a key driver in Arizona's economic rebound, including job and wage growth.
high speed internet is the infrastructure for a modern economy
Broadband technologies will be the roads and railways of the 21st century, generating the next wave of economic expansion. Just as our highway and telephone infrastructure opened up new economic horizons in the last century, advanced communication networks will pave the way for productivity improvements in our currently troubled economy.
productivity
Broadband technologies make a range of networked communications possible, many of which are not apparent using first generation Internet technologies. The 'always-on' network effect will also change business and user behavior and revolutionize the way content and services are delivered and managed. Innovative use of Broadband connectivity will be critical to Arizona's ability to participate and compete in the global economy.
'Jobs, knowledge use and economic growth will gravitate to those societies that are the most connected, with the most networks and the broadest amount of bandwidth - because these states find it easiest to amass, deploy and share knowledge in order to design, invent, manufacture, sell, provide services, communicate, educate and entertain. Connectivity is now productivity.'
-- Thomas Friedman
The next steps towards Broadband access are critical for Arizona's future productivity and growth. If we lose momentum, we may be left behind in the wake of states whose policy makers are enthusiastically embracing these emerging technologies.
service delivery revolution
Broadband technologies will stimulate Arizona's economic growth by revolutionizing the way services are delivered and business is conducted. In short, Broadband enabled technologies will change the way Arizonians live, work and do business. This is particularly true in service sectors such as health and education, as well as business, research, national security and general government.
Arizona faces expanding demand for health care, fueled by the availability of new treatments and the aging of the population. Connectivity in the health sector will help address the need to deliver health services to all Arizonians, regardless of where they live or work. Broadband technologies can help to contain costs, improve services and deliver better health outcomes.
High bandwidth applications are transforming distance learning programs in schools and allowing students and teachers access to interactive content. Broadband is also enabling tertiary students to use cutting-edge course materials from campuses around the world.
Broadband applications, which allow video conferencing and facilitate large data-set transmission, are being used to integrate Arizonan researchers into global networks. Broadband applications such as graphics-intensive visualization and simulation are also increasingly important tools for both industry and the consumer market.
By providing a rich communications experience, unable to be achieved with narrowband, Broadband makes new business and service models feasible. These technologies will allow small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to become more efficient and to streamline their production and supply processes. Better networking capabilities will allow them to collaborate and supply to global markets.
As well as producing productivity gains in traditional and new industries, advanced connectivity can enrich community life, particularly in rural and regional areas. It provides the basis for integration of remote communities into our economic, cultural and social life.
Using the the Internet to sell locally produced products, one-of-a-kind crafts and artwork, technical consulting of various kinds--like developing websites, etc.... These are the kind of opportunities that could be very valuable in rural economic development; as well as useful to rural citizens for access to products and services they could otherwise not have the benefit of.
The Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) has released its 10 Facts on Broadband as a Job Creator and Driver of Economic Development, describing how Broadband contributes to job creation and serves as a connector of job seekers, employers and employees.
Jobs are critically important in today's economy.
Sites like WordPress, ETSY, Drupal, Showitfast, Kickstarter all offer opportunities to start businesses anywhere Broadband is available.
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