Advantages of Broadband¹

Broadband can provide access to a wide range of resources, services, and products that can enhance your life in a variety of ways. These resources, services, and products include, but are not limited to:

Education, Culture, & Entertainment

• Broadband can overcome geographical and financial barriers to provide access to a wide range of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities and resources.

Telehealth & Telemedicine

• Broadband can facilitate provision of medical care to unserved and underserved populations through remote diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and consultations with specialists.

Economic Development/E-Commerce

• Broadband can promote economic development and revitalization through electronic commerce (e-commerce) by:
  • Creating new jobs and attracting new industries.
  • Providing access to regional, national, and worldwide markets.

Electronic Government (E-Government)

• Electronic government can help streamline people’s interaction with government agencies, and provide information about government policies, procedures, benefits, and programs.

Public Safety and Homeland Security

• Broadband can help protect the public by facilitating and promoting public safety information and procedures, including, but not limited to:
  • Early warning/public alert systems and disaster preparation programs.
  • Remote security monitoring and real time security background checks.
  • Backup systems for public safety communications networks.

Broadband Communications Services

• Broadband provides access to new telecommunications technologies such as Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allowing voice communication using the Internet.

Communications Services for People With Disabilities

• Broadband permits users of Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) to use Video Relay Services (VRS) to communicate more easily, quickly, and expressively with voice telephone users.