WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Broadband is an economic engine, driving job creation and rural development, according to research released today by the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA), a broad-based coalition supporting broadband access and adoption for all Americans. Based on analysis from sources including the American Library Association and the Federal Communications Commission, the IIA has identified 10 ways broadband contributes to job creation and serves as a connector of job seekers, employers and employees, listed below:
10 Facts about Broadband and Jobs
1. Jobs that depend on broadband availability are projected to increase 25% by 2018.
2. A $10 billion investment in broadband would produce nearly 500,000 new jobs.
3. Nearly 18% of new jobs in North Carolina are created as a direct result of broadband Internet.
4. In Minnesota, 60% of unemployed adults, 30% of homemakers and almost 17% of retirees say they would likely join the workforce if empowered by teleworking.
5. Local economic growth and secondary investment enabled by broadband expansion is 10 times the initial investment.
6. More than 62% of American workers rely on the Internet to do their jobs.
7. 37% of employees say the ability to telecommute would cause them to choose one job over another.
8. Among U.S. workers, 14% telecommute or work from home at least one day a week.
9. Nearly 75% of public libraries across the nation offer computer resources for job seekers.
10. Job seekers had a 27% increase in success by using social networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to generate referrals.
To view sourcing for the “10 Facts about Broadband and Jobs,” visit http://internetinnovation.org/library/special-reports/10-facts-about-broadband-and-jobs/.
The IIA yesterday convened political analysts, economists and small business owners to explore the impact of investment in broadband technology on jobs and economic development. The discussion addressed a range of issues, from the importance of expanded next-generation mobile broadband for small businesses to private sector moves like AT&T’s proposed purchase of T-Mobile, which will create as many as 96,000 jobs, according to a study for the Communications Workers of America by the Economic Policy Institute. For a list of participants and to listen to the dialogue, visit http://internetinnovation.org/press-room/broadband-news-press-releases/iia-teleconference-audio-august-2011/.
“Equal opportunity in the 21st Century means the same tools should be available to all Americans to help them achieve their goals,” said IIA Co-Chair Jamal Simmons. “Every entrepreneur, for example, should have access to mobile broadband, which would empower them to expand operations, reach new markets and create more jobs.”
Earlier this week, Deloitte released a report titled, “The impact of 4G technology on commercial interactions, economic growth and U.S. competitiveness.” The report says that U.S. investment in 4G networks, which could conservatively be $25-$53 billion over the next four years, could lead to the creation of 371,000 to 771,000 jobs. To read the Deloitte study in its entirety, visit: http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/TMT_us_tmt/us_tmt_impactof4g_081911.pdf.
For more information on the IIA, visit http://www.internetinnovation.org/.
About The Internet Innovation Alliance
The Internet Innovation Alliance is a broad-based coalition supporting broadband availability and access for all Americans including underserved and rural communities. It aims to ensure every American, regardless of race, income or geography, has access to this critical tool. The IIA seeks to promote public policies that leverage the power of entrepreneurs and the market to achieve universal broadband availability and adoption.