Home Broadband Soars, Becomes Hot Housing Commodity
July 23rd, 2009
Tom Amontree
The results are in — and the prevalence and popularity of broadband among consumers is clear. In fact, home broadband adoption increased more than six-fold between 2001 and 2008, according to a study recently released by the Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA). According to the study, “The Substantial Consumer Benefits of Broadband Connectivity for U.S. Households” consumers received more than $30 billion in benefits annually from using broadband at home.
Wondering just how much consumers value home broadband? A national study reveals that fiber-based broadband is now the leading real estate amenity—ranking higher than green space, security, a community pool, park or fitness center. The research concludes that a whopping 82% of buyers who have had broadband service over fiber at home say it is the number one amenity, giving advanced broadband either a 5 or 4 on a five-point scale for rating the importance of amenities.
A recent Washington Post story highlights that even a down economy can’t keep broadband down. In fact, the recession is making the Internet an even more invaluable resource for the many Americans who look online for jobs, bargains, better investment strategies, as well as an array of other economically-driven searches. As featured in the Pew Internet & American Life report, “The Internet and the Recession,” more than 88 percent of U.S. Internet users went online to get information or help with alleviating personal economic issues or explored nationwide economic trends.
Whether consulting the Internet for information, conducting business or chatting with friends, broadband offers a world of opportunities that are increasingly present – and even required – in American homes.
Leave a Reply