Rural Small Businesses and High Speed Internet Access

A study by the Small Business Administration—Broadband Use by Rural Small Business—suggested the following interesting impacts of high speed internet.

• Distance Learning- This would allow rural students greater access to a broad education and curriculum choice, improving their skills and employment opportunities.
• Telemedicine Benefits- This allows doctors, hospitals and patients faster  communication between each other. In fact, another Federal study indicated remote monitoring of homebound chronically ill, reduced costs by 35 to 40% while improving care.
• Economic Benefits- Broadband services can benefit the consumers and positively impact the economic growth of a rural area.
• Attract Small Businesses- If broadband access is available in a rural community, the small business proprietors can sell far beyond their geographic boundaries making the area more attractive.
• Save Time and Money- Faster internet speeds means time and money savings directly related to the speed of the connection.

With the relatively recent decrease in satellite internet cost and increase in availability, high speed internet via satellite is becoming the choice for small businesses in rural areas.