Here are 6 ways the introduction and adoption of high-speed internet can impact and transform your community:
Strengthens Businesses
High-speed internet makes businesses more competitive in many ways, leading to increased profits and productivity. Access opens up new sales markets and enables new technologies to improve communications with customers, co-workers, and suppliers. Access to reliable high-speed internet empowers employees who work from home or in a remote office.
Increases Civic Engagement
Rural areas with high-speed internet report higher levels of civic involvement. Examples include increased political involvement, such as voting, and increased civic participation in sports and volunteer activities. Also, after high-speed internet access came to a community, church attendance went up.
Advances in Education
Students are empowered with increased opportunities with access to high-speed internet, like their counterparts in other areas of the country. People can take online college courses and younger students can do schoolwork from home on snow days.
Smart Agriculture
Farmers gain access to precision agriculture and remote monitoring equipment, enabling them to optimize irrigation, conserve resources, and increase yields.
Drives New Business
In addition to helping with business retention, high-speed internet access makes your community more attractive to companies based elsewhere. Access to high-speed internet is a primary factor when businesses look for a new location. Studies show broadband access leads to more businesses moving into rural areas.
Improves Healthcare
Communities experience better health outcomes by having access to telemedicine technologies including, videoconferencing, video-on-demand, radiology, and telepathology. It provides patients in rural areas access to healthcare resources and specialists, and advanced monitoring services, saving lives.