Recent News // New Report Shows Broadband is Crucial to Business Revenue, Potential Job Creation
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Computers 4 Kids:
No
Survey of Iowa businesses establishes link between high-speed Internet use and bottom line
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Des Moines, IA — A new report by Connect Iowa shows businesses with a broadband connection are likely to generate more revenue and jobs. State businesses with high-speed Internet connections report having median annual revenues $300,000 more than businesses without broadband.
Access the Findings
Download the White Paper
Des Moines, IA — A new report by Connect Iowa shows businesses with a broadband connection are likely to generate more revenue and jobs. State businesses with high-speed Internet connections report having median annual revenues $300,000 more than businesses without broadband.
“In today’s global economy, it is important to have the resources and technology needed to have a competitive advantage. Quality high-speed Internet service is not only an integral component in any business but it also spurs job creation and innovation,” said Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad.
The new survey is the first of its kind and takes an in-depth look at all sectors of the state’s economy. A new interactive application is now available on the Connect Iowa website that allows you to see the impact on specific sectors of the state’s economy, from healthcare and manufacturing, to tourism and education.
“Access to broadband Internet is key to economic development,” said Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Debi Durham. “Providing existing businesses and new investment to the state with a robust Internet infrastructure will be critical to their success and the overall economic climate of Iowa.”
Connect Iowa is a statewide public-private partnership working on broadband expansion. The new Business Technology Assessment reveals how technology is being used by businesses and where gaps still remain across the state. The assessment is designed to measure technology adoption and the awareness of available broadband service among state businesses, and establish benchmarks for these metrics.
“In the digital economy, businesses must embrace broadband, and other transformative technologies like it, in order to survive,” said Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, Connect Iowa’s parent organization. “The Internet is driving products and services to the marketplace in an environment where creativity and innovation are both reinforced and rewarded.”
Findings from this survey illustrate a significant correlation between high-speed Internet adoption and a business’s bottom line. Specific examples include:
- Businesses with high-speed Internet connections report having median annual revenues $300,000 more than businesses without broadband.
- More than one-half (52%) of Iowa businesses (approximately 43,000) have a website. Median annual revenues among businesses that use broadband and have a website are double the state average.
- Broadband can enable job creation and enhance quality of life. Eighteen percent of state businesses let employees telework.
Other key highlights:
- Nearly three-fourths of Iowa businesses (72%, or approximately 60,000) subscribe to broadband.
- Twelve percent of broadband-connected businesses say they need more bandwidth.
- The median monthly cost that Iowa businesses pay for broadband is $62.
- The average download speed among broadband-connected Iowa businesses is 7.2 Mbps (though, only 40% of broadband-connected businesses knew their advertised download speed).
Connect Iowa is partnering with the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED). The initiative has already created the first broadband inventory maps and continues to engage in research in order to better understand broadband adoption across the state. The project is focused on gathering accurate and reliable data on the broadband market to aid in planning, the creation and facilitation of regional technology planning teams, and the establishment of computer ownership and Internet access programs.
The program is funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant program. Connect Iowa’s broadband mapping efforts are reflected in the national broadband map.
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Related Links:
Press Release: Groundbreaking New National Broadband Map Features Connect Iowa Contribution
Press Release: Iowa Gets $3.5 Million to Improve Statewide High-Speed Internet Service and Use
Press Release: Iowa Announces Major Step Forward in Iowa’s High-Speed Internet Expansion Effort
Press Release: Iowa Unveils Detailed Assessment of State Broadband Market
About Connect Iowa: Connect Iowa is a subsidiary of Connected Nation and operates as a nonprofit in the state of Iowa. The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is leading the initiative to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Iowa. Connect Iowa was commissioned by the state to work with all broadband providers in the state of Iowa to create detailed maps of broadband coverage in order to accurately pinpoint remaining gaps in broadband availability in Iowa. This work will support developing a statewide plan for the deployment and adoption of broadband in the state. For more information visit: www.connectiowa.org.
