Recovery.gov - Track the Money

Broadband funding is imperative not only to rural America but the nation’s economy as a whole. In rural America many communities have limited or no broadband service. Small businesses may be marketing their goods and services through dial-up or less than high-speed service. Students living in rural communities without high-speed broadband are unable to take advantage of internet-based learning. Rural clinics and hospitals are unable to access new communications-based medical technology to care for their patients.

Providing broadband services in unserved and underserved rural communities will provide direct stimulus to the US economy, produce long-lasting socio-economic benefits, and mitigate the effects of global industry downturns in other market segments. Crucial to the US position in the global economy is a strong, seamless broadband network capable of delivering robust services on multiple technology platforms. Making broadband services available in rural communities ensures that the country uses to the fullest extent all of its available resources in both rural and urban America. Rural America is no longer a predominantly agricultural economy and broadband networks will provide the commerce avenues necessary for continued economic growth, as well as provide the platforms for improved education and health care. Job creation will depend on the ability of businesses and manufacturers to locate anywhere with the assurance that broadband services are available.

a. Improving the Rural Quality of Life : By implementing the Broadband Recovery funds, the public will benefit from:
Businesses providing new/improved service
Residences receiving new/improved service
Increased and improved service to critical facilities such as:
Educational institutions
Healthcare Providers
Public service/safety
Local, state and Federal government
Increases in tax base

b. Jobs Created or Saved: Job growth will come from direct and indirect sources. Direct job growth will result from retention or creation of jobs in or supporting the broadband industry such as network planning, systems design, systems engineering, construction, operational management, and jobs at manufacturing and associated companies which supply the broadband industry. Indirect job growth will result from the ability of existing and new companies to utilize improved and new broadband access to operate more efficiently, to reach larger markets, to expand supplier and customer bases, and to create businesses which are made possible by high-speed Internet services. Having broadband access available is a significant factor in the ability of businesses and other organizations to locate in rural communities.