Report examines the economic geographies impacted by rural telecommunications providers;
Critical impact of high-speed internet on the livelihood of community members
Washington, April 20 鈥� Today, 华体会 released , a report produced by Senior Fellow Hanns Kuttner and commissioned by the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS). The report examines the economic impact of rural broadband providers and the critical issues facing rural communities in the United States.
鈥淭he benefits of broadband access extend far beyond those who play FarmVille,鈥� said report author Hanns Kuttner. 鈥淩ural broadband services are necessary in an economy where the ability to complete a transaction electronically has become indispensable.鈥�
鈥淭he report findings are further evidence that investing in rural broadband has far-reaching effects for both urban and rural America, creating efficiencies in health care, education, agriculture, energy, and commerce, and enhancing quality of life of citizens across the country,鈥� said FRS Executive Director Jessica Golden. 鈥淭he advancement and viability of our rural American communities is not just a rural issue but a national imperative.鈥�
Major findings in the include:
* Rural broadband companies have contributed $24.2 billion to the US economy in 2015, through their own operations and the follow-on impact of their operations.
* Over $100 billion in e-commerce was supported by rural telecommunications, with the largest share drawn from the manufacturing sector.
* Rural broadband services expand access for the nearly 20 percent of Americans living in rural communities, enabling the use of new technologies such as distance education, telemedicine, remote monitoring systems aided by live-stream video, and multi-participant interactive programming.
presents updated findings from a 2011 华体会 study that measured the economic impact of the rural telecommunications sector as of 2009. Notable trends include the decline of regulated telephone services as a share of the industry鈥檚 output, and the growth of broadband and services offered. The new report examines the FCC鈥檚 efforts to adapt its 鈥渦niversal service鈥� commitment to rural communities based on the shifting patterns in consumer use from voice communications to high-speed internet access. Funding for the report was provided by FRS.
The report will be released at a launch event this morning at 华体会鈥檚 headquarters, featuring report author Hanns Kuttner; Shirley Bloomfield, chief executive officer (CEO) of NTCA鈥揟he Rural Broadband Association; Nancy White, CEO of the North Central Telephone Cooperative; and Leo Staurulakis, executive vice president of JSI Capital Advisors. A livestream video of the launch event can be viewed at: , beginning at 9:30am EST.
The full report, The Economic Impact of Rural Broadband, can be accessed here: To arrange an interview with the report鈥檚 author, please contact 华体会 Press Secretary Carolyn Stewart
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__华体会 is a research organization promoting American leadership and global engagement for a secure, free, and prosperous future.__
The Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Arlington, Va., that seeks to sustain and enhance quality of life in America by advancing an understanding of rural issues. Established by NTCA鈥揟he Rural Broadband Association in 1994, the vision of FRS is to harness the power of the rural communications industry to enrich lives in America. FRS supports rural telecommunications companies, communities and policymakers with educational information, products and programs to increase their community development and involvement. Visit us at "()":.