For North Carolina Residents, Broadband Connections Mean Business

Broadband access is a proven catalyst for economic growth, according to a new study by e-North Carolina and the Strategic Networks Group.

The study analyzed responses from 6,266 businesses and 1,492 households across North Carolina and found that broadband access was central to the growth of businesses across the state. According to the findings:

• Nearly one in five of new jobs — 18 percent — were created as a direct result of broadband access.
• Among small businesses, the impact is greater — 28 percent of new jobs were attributed to Internet use.
• More than half of all businesses surveyed — 54 percent — indicated they would not be in business if they did not have broadband; 41 percent said they would have to move to a new location if broadband were not available. 
• Broadband is even more important for home-based businesses. Almost every home business surveyed — 85 percent — said it was essential to their business. They could not operate without it.
• Among households with broadband access, nearly half — 45 percent — are either running a business out of the home now or intend to do so in the next year.

These trends hold promise for the state of North Carolina, which has invested heavily in broadband buildout. Geographically isolated communities can revitalize local economies with broadband strategies and access new markets over the web.

Yet the digital divide remains a large hurdle in connecting large parts of the US. Currently 28% of businesses in the US do not have broadband technology, according to a Connected Nation report.

CWA has been strong supporter of broadband buildout and has urged policy makers to invest in communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. Broadband has the ability to empower businesses and is a 21st century solution to our economic troubles.

In North Carolina, Study Finds Broadband is an Engine for New Jobs and New Businesses

Broadband Connections Bring Businesses $200K More Annually