Friday, Sep 30 2011 3:14PM
Four advocates push for rural broadband expansion
A group of four Californians will present a case to Congress in hopes of increasing the government's broadband expansion effort to rural communities, the Clovis Independent reports.
The quartet consists of Daniel Valencia, marketing and information technology manager for Dinabu Chamber of Commerce; Jamie Lynn Beutler, chair of the California Democratic Party Rural Caucus; Kimberly Kaufmann, director of operations for Fresno County Farm Bureau; and John Reddy, owner of Specialized Wine Services.
Valencia said the agricultural industry is vital to the economy of rural California, and high-speed broadband services would help companies operate efficiently and get more companies to relocate to rural areas such as the San Joaquin Valley and hire local workers.
"High-speed broadband is a crucial tool for job creation and economic growth in the San Joaquin Valley," Valencia said. "And in rural areas throughout California, access to high-speed broadband is the key to delivering the innovative, cutting-edge applications that will help our rural areas grow and thrive."
According to a study by Telecom Advisory Services, rural America is one of the most underserved population as it pertains to broadband availability. The research firm projects that if 100 percent of rural households had access to broadband, more than 115,000 jobs would be created or saved between 2011 and 2014.
For further reference, check out these sources:
Clovis Independent,
Telecom Advisory Services