Broadband access matters in West Virginia

Top 3 Reasons Why Consumers Need Access to High-Speed Broadband at Home

Education – Access to High Speed Broadband Internet Service:

• Supports ongoing changes in the culture of instruction and the learning experience.

  

• Supports individualized, technology-enhanced instruction and learning.
• Supports distance learning by expanding learning to times and places beyond the classroom and the work day.
• Supports interactive technology giving students an opportunity to learn about the arts, culture, and other subjects not easily accessible in the classroom.
• Provides the bandwidth required for today’s students to upload interactive media content, participate in online learning opportunities, and develop electronic portfolios of work.

Aging in Place – Access to High Speed Broadband Internet Service:

• Enables the transmission of audio, video, and data across the Internet to support a new generation of services and applications.
• Supports personal fulfillment and the ambitions of older adults to engage in paid work, continuing education,

  

  and volunteer opportunities from home.

• Supports use of video conferencing and telepresence technology to connect individuals to family, friends, healthcare professionals and services.
• Promotes social connectedness and social interaction through applications that take advantage of the dynamic nature of video communication promote a sense of “closeness.”
• Supports “smart home” applications allowing individuals to manage and control home security, appliances, lighting, and digital thermostats regardless of whether they are at home or a distant location.
  

  

Economic Development – Access to High Speed Broadband Internet Service:

• Enables citizens to participate in and benefit from the digital and global economies.
• Attracts new businesses and entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Creates new jobs and career opportunities.
• Supports the operation of home-based businesses and employment opportunities.
• Provides access to job training applications and other resources.