Broadband is Critical to Tennessee's Economic Growth

A new report by Connected Tennessee, a branch of Connected Nation and Speed Matters partner, reveals that high-speed Internet connections are increasingly critical to business growth across the state.

Use of broadband is on the rise in Tennessee — as many as 55 percent of small businesses rely on high-speed connections. The economic benefits of connectivity are driving many to adopt new technologies. The statewide study found that businesses connected to broadband have annual revenue $400,000 greater than those without broadband access.

The Connected Tennessee report has also found that:

• 47 percent of state businesses have a website.
• 18 percent of state businesses allow employees to telework.
• 84 percent of state businesses use computers for their work functions.
• 90,000 state businesses use broadband Internet access for their daily work functions.

The increased investment in high-speed connectivity has an impact on local businesses and gives a boost to the Tennessee economy. As more businesses transition to 21st century technologies they must be supported by robust networks and staffed by employees trained in new technolgies.

Connected Tennessee

Internet business era demands widespread broadband access (Jackson Sun)