Thursday, Sep 8 2011 1:20PM
Broadband access helps job seekers locate potential employment opportunities better than other connections, a new study found.
Based on past research and Census data, Dr. George Ford, chief economist of the Phoenix Center, mobile broadband access has a positive effect on unemployed Americans looking for work.
According to Ford, access to this type of internet connection greatly reduces the probability a jobless resident will become discouraged by a job search and current labor market conditions, and ultimately give up on the search.
"With unemployment expected to remain extremely high over the next several years, we need to make sure Americans do not become discouraged and give up on looking for work," said Ford. "Fortunately, mobile broadband — which is the modality of choice for many Americans — is a powerful tool to keep people without jobs in the labor force."
Phoenix Center President Lawrence J. Spiwak stated that broadband access for out-of-work rural Americans is vital, as it is the main resource in the employment search process for many of these residents.
A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2009 concluded investment in broadband technologies in rural areas leads to a more competitive economy.