Broadband = an Essential Utility

April 9, 2010 written by John Watson

Jobs in every business industry today are reaping the many benefits of broadband.  Broadband and high-speed Internet access has created robust communications capabilities and a more efficient workforce.  The benefits are so advantageous, that one opinion piece posted in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution described broadband Internet, as once considered to be “a luxury,” but now as “an essential utility.”  The Brookings Institute takes it a step further, referring to broadband as the “essential infrastructure for our global information economy.” 

But with only 65% of U.S. households hooked up with broadband, according to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, there still remains a chunk of the population who remains disconnected from the broadband promised land.  The future, however, looks bright for broadband.  The author of the piece discusses the FCC’s National Broadband Plan and several local Georgia movements are working towards increased broadband adoption and utilization such as the Georgia Tech Broadband Institute and TechSmart.  Every effort counts.  In looking at the numbers, increased broadband access does more than connect individuals and increased business productivity, it creates jobs and cut costs. 

Continuing to update the policies that focus on broadband growth in Georgia will ensure that consumers can benefit from broadband.  The piece observes that, “a mere 1 percent increase in broadband penetration can create 300,000 new U.S. jobs,” and that is essential.  

To read the full piece, please click here.