Importance of High Speed Broadband to Jobs, Development in Rural America
Farmers and ranchers need access to keep up with market conditions and other factors.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 26, 2011
During a recent Rural Economic Forum hosted by the White House at Northeast Iowa Community College the President highlighted the importance of increased access for rural communities to high speed broadband Internet across the country. President Obama pointed out that the ability of rural communities to benefit from innovation and efficiency are stifled by their lack of access to high-speed broadband.
U.S. Cattlemen's Association Executive Vice President Jess Peterson attended the forum and was pleased to hear the President's vision for expanded Internet access across America's rural heartland.
"Access to fast, reliable, next generation mobile broadband is more than a mere abstract policy initiative," Peterson said. "Here in rural America we desperately need it to enable America's farmers and ranchers to keep up with market conditions and to quickly and easily communicate with suppliers, customers, and food processors. It is a critical tool for those of us that help feed and clothe America and the world."
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, also on hand for the event, echoed the President's sentiment about the need to increase broadband access in underserved and rural communities. He stressed that it is important to achieving overall Department of Interior goals and improving the quality of living for rural Americans.
Peterson notes that Northeast Iowa Community College is a great example of a success story realized as a result of the deployment of high-speed broadband Internet. The college has utilized this access to implement distance learning classes and programs so that its students can achieve the same quality of education as those in urban areas.
Peterson adds that increased access to next generation high speed mobile broadband will make a huge, positive difference for many of the farmers and ranchers he represents.
For more information on the potential of wireless broadband access in rural America, go to www.internetinnovation.org.
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