Broadband Internet S Value For Rural America

As broadband ¿ or high-speed ¿ Internet use has spread, Internet applications requiring high transmission speeds have become an integral part of the ¿Information Economy,¿ raising concerns about those who lack broadband access. This report analyzes: (1) rural broadband use by consumers, the community-at-large, and bus.; (2) rural broadband availability; and (3) broadband¿s social and econ. effects on rural areas. In general, rural communities have less broadband Internet use than metro communities. Rural communities that had greater broadband Internet access had greater economic growth, which conforms to supplemental research on the benefits that rural bus., consumers, and communities ascribe to broadband Internet use. Illustrations.

As broadband--or high-speed--Internet use has spread, Internet applications requiring high transmission speeds have become an integral part of the "Information Economy," raising concerns about those who lack broadband access. This report analyzes (1) rural broadband use by consumers, the community-at-large, and businesses; (2) rural broadband availability; and (3) broadband's social and economic effects on rural areas. It also summarizes results from an ERS-sponsored workshop on rural broadband use, and other ERS-commissioned studies. In general, rural communities have less broadband Internet use than metro communities, with differing degrees of broadband availability across rural communities. Rural communities that had greater broadband Internet access had greater economic growth, which conforms to supplemental research on the benefits that rural businesses, consumers, and communities ascribe to broadband Internet use.

Home to more than 50 million people and our Nation¿s ag. industry, Rural America (RA) plays a vital role in ensuring a vibrant national economy. The Obama Admin. recognizes the importance of the rural economic engine and took swift action to stabilize the rural economy and assist rural communities in the aftermath of the economic downturn. This report provides an overview of how Fed. investments under the ARRA of 2009 are helping rural communities win the future by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competition. Contents: Building the Infrastructure of the 21st Century; Investing in Clean Energy and the Environ.; Increasing Economic Opportunity in RA; Enhancing the Quality of Life in RA. A print on demand report.

This book explores broadband Internet use and rural America. For many Americans, a world without broadband is unimaginable. However, large parts of rural America have languished on the sidelines of the digital revolution. As many of their fellow citizens in more densely populated parts of the country go online for work, education, entertainment, healthcare, civic participation, and much more, too many rural Americans are being left behind. Rural governments and businesses are missing opportunities to function more efficiently and effectively. At a time when access to affordable, robust broadband services is a fundamental part of efforts to restore America's economic well-being in both rural and urban areas, we must ensure that this capability is available to open the doors of opportunity for everyone.