Gigabit Availability = $1.4 Billion in GDP

A new study finds that communities with widely available gigabit access have per capita GDP that is 1.1 percent higher than communities with little to no availability of gigabit services.

The study examined 55 communities in 9 states, finding a positive impact on economic activity in the 14 communities where gigabit services are widely available. The study, conducted by the economic, financial and strategy firm Analysis Group found widespread gigabit availability contributes to the economies of communities in multiple ways, including through the direct effect of infrastructure investment and increased expenditures, as well as shifts in economic activity (e.g. job creation and occupational changes) and productivity gains. Communities with widely available gigabit access are gaining control over the factors that shape the lives of their residents, businesses and institutions. Conversely, the 41 communities in the study that didn’t have widely available gigabit broadband likely experienced forgone GDP in 2012 of as much as $3.3 billion.