| | Executive Summary
This report encompasses information on the importance and development of broadband and a variety of approaches to enhance its usage. Recently, broadband has evolved from being a luxury to an essential type of infrastructure for business development, banking, communication, health care, education, tourism and entertainment. Access to the internet at broadband speeds has now become a necessary tool for engagement in the modern economy and culture.
Across the globe, broadband applications and services are revolutionizing business, prompting economic development and increasing productivity. Many jurisdictions are implementing broadband networks for socio-economic development.
Broadband leaders suggest that the usage and development of broadband among the rural communities can be enhanced by various means. These include creating awareness and educating the community about the benefits of broadband service. The other option is through aggregating demand within the community to make service profitable for broadband providers. Promoting partnerships among community organizations and institutions is also a way of broadband deployment. This could be supplemented through the provision of incentives to local providers, community organizations, nonprofit organizations and co-ops to encourage local and public ownership. Technology training is a necessary component for adoption and deployment of broadband in rural communities.
The findings of various studies have indicated that broadband deployment had a significant impact on rural economies, businesses, consumers and socio-cultural life. A study conducted in 2005 in Churchill, Manitoba and Parrsboro, Nova Scotia showed an overall positive return on investment of broadband. Alberta SuperNet has established an exciting environment for telecommunication and high-speed application business opportunities throughout the province. Moreover, broadband capabilities have provided many rural Alberta businesses with the opportunity to expand their marketing, service and production horizons. The City of Ottawa identified broadband as an economic enabler and adopted a Multi-Pronged Broadband Strategy.
Development of a community of broadband users requires more time, support, and investment than is usually anticipated. Public access sites (e.g., tele-cottages and libraries) demonstrate a growing rather than declining demand in broadband-rich areas. The best community developments are led by the community itself – specifically those local early adopters and champions – and not by outside enthusiasts or technologists. E-learning is a growing market but e-shopping, communications and entertainments are the primary drivers of domestic broadband take-up.
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