Internet Innovation Alliance: Top ten ways broadband helps rural communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 13, 2011 – Broadband transforms rural communities in at least ten meaningful ways, according to research released today by the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), a broad-based coalition supporting broadband access and adoption for all Americans. Based on analysis from sources including the Pew Internet & American Life Project and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the IIA points to ten major benefits, listed below:

Ten Ways Broadband Helps Rural Communities

1) Links local businesses to global markets

2) Allows consumers to tap into e-commerce savings

3) Expands access to educational opportunities

4) Increases local job growth

5) Connects patients to world class healthcare and reduces healthcare costs

6) Enhances economic options for younger generations

7) Provides new tools to farmers and ranchers to grow their businesses

8) Enables entrepreneurs to locate their businesses locally

9) Attracts customers to local businesses

10) Offers families low cost options to stay in touch using the latest technology

To view sourcing for the “Ten Ways Broadband Helps Rural Communities,” visit http://www.internetinnovation.org/rural-infographic.

The IIA supports AT&T’s proposed purchase of T-Mobile USA, which would result in significant wireless Internet expansion to rural communities across the nation. IIA Honorary Chairman and former Congressman Rick Boucher is championing the consolidation of the two wireless Internet service providers due to the improvements broadband would bring to rural areas like those in his home state of Virginia.

“The most direct and immediate way to connect large numbers of rural Americans to the benefits of broadband is through the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile,” said Boucher. “The merger would bring 4G LTE, with wireless speeds rivaling the fastest wired connections, to more than 97 percent of the nation, including many of the hardest to reach areas. Policy makers should recognize the landmark achievement of universal broadband in America when weighing their decision.”

For more information, visit http://www.internetinnovation.org/.

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About The Internet Innovation Alliance

The Internet Innovation Alliance is a broad-based coalition supporting broadband availability and access for all Americans including underserved and rural communities. It aims to ensure every American, regardless of race, income or geography, has access to this critical tool. The IIA seeks to promote public policies that leverage the power of entrepreneurs and the market to achieve universal broadband availability and adoption.