Broadband: The Engine of Economic Progress
Broadband: An Overview
Broadband is a high-bandwidth data transmission that allows multiple signals and traffic types to share a single communication channel. It provides high-speed internet connection through various mediums such as copper telephone lines, fiber optic cables, and wireless connections. Broadband is always on, eliminating the need for dial-up, and it can transmit data, voice, and video over long distances at high speeds. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband internet as having a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.
The Advantages of Broadband
Broadband access offers numerous benefits for individuals and communities. Here are some key advantages:
- Opportunity Access: Broadband provides access to jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, and civic engagement.
- Economic Development: Broadband infrastructure contributes to economic growth in communities. Increased access and use of broadband infrastructure in rural areas lead to higher property values, increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation, and lower unemployment rates.
- Service Efficiency: It offers an increased ability to provide essential services to community members more efficiently and conveniently.
- Connectivity: It improves economic stability, provides opportunities for education, increases social supports, provides more civic agency.
- Health Benefits: It is associated with improved overall health in areas where it’s widely available.
Conclusion
Broadband is more than just an internet connection. It’s a powerful tool that drives economic growth, opens up opportunities for individuals and communities, and improves the quality of life. As we continue to advance in the digital age, ensuring broadband access for all will be crucial in creating an inclusive and prosperous society.
Today in rural southern Oregon, I’m paying for 3 different ISP’s – and hope to eliminate two of them. I just installed Starlink today and will cancel Hughes Net Sat dish and hopefully Century Link DSL. I couldn’t stream anything and work on my laptop before – and often had trouble just sending a 5mg email attachment. Nor did I have any confidence that any of the companies working on these solutions could offer anything better to my home office in my lifetime. I literally called every provider possible including cellular companies – and when I went to the government site I found a bunch of companies claiming to provide services to my address – that trust me – DO NOT. So I filed update requests with the FCC or whichever agency it was – because it was so laughable.