How Important is Broadband to Business?

Dennis KahlUNL Extension Educator

Seward, NEdennis.kahl@unl.edu

Reasons why broadband is important to rural businesses

• Social networks extend potential markets

• Track and communicate with clients

• Business growth creates new jobs

• Technology in management saves time and resources

What happens when a community is innovative and supportive of new and

existing businesses?• Young people are attracted

• Community resources such as recreation, education, businesses and organizations continue to thrive

• Community pride

Findings

• Very few people could define broadband

• Don’t realize the potential of broadband

• Small percentage of businesses using broadband

With your phone, please go to:

– pollev.com/bb13 and answer this question please.

broadband.nebraska.gov

broadband.nebraska.gov

broadband.nebraska.gov

broadband.nebraska.gov

broadband.nebraska.gov

• Download

– Browsing

– Searching

• Upload

– Email attachment

– Data sharingAverage in NE• Download – 3-5 Megabytes/second• Upload - .5-1 Megabytes/second

In Work Environment

NEW App for Mobile Devices

• Wireless broadband performance metrics, mapping, and analytics

– Find at your phone’s App Store – mobilepulse

• Takes only 100 megabytes of space

• Does not wear down battery

• Randomly pulls broadband data if left on or running

Here’s example data being collected.

This data comes from a 3G iPhone.

If you have a 4LTE you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference. 4LTE is actually better than the average home Internet connection.

SNG research reveals that more than 1 in 5 new jobs (22.4%) is directly attributed to broadband and the use of e-solutions.

DEi (Digital Economy Index)

Here’s one way to learn more about the potential for broadband

Take a few home to your community.

Thank You!

Dennis KahlUNL Extension Educator

Seward, NEdennis.kahl@unl.edu