This document discusses the importance of high-speed broadband access for businesses. It notes that adequate bandwidth and connectivity are needed to drive innovation and allow applications like video, data backup, and cloud computing. Affordability, redundancy of internet connections, and availability of both wired and wireless options are also addressed. The document raises questions about whether businesses in a community are ready and able to utilize new technologies, have support for managing technology, and can access sufficient wireless services to support mobile operations.

1. Broadband Technologies for Business: Fast Track to the Future MN Development Conference 2009 Bill Coleman Community Technology Advisors www.communitytechnologyadvisors.com

2. Connectivity Can your businesses connect to a quality network at the speeds and prices with adequate redundancy so that connectivity is a locational advantage for your community?

3. BandwidthHow much is enough? Bandwidth availability drives applications Bandwidth scarcity stifles use Video Data backup Virus protection Cloud computing Information sharing Limited downloads and uploads Limited server hosting Limited information sharing Spurs innovation Compression Remote servers

4. Affordability Affordability = Access Some schools have 100 Mb; some have T1s; how are kids affected? 1 Mb, purchased in quantity, in downtown Minneapolis is $5; what is a T1 (1.5 Mb) in your community? Comcast offers 100 Mb/15Mb for $350; is that affordable? Some providers offer 1 Mb for $40; is that affordable? Competition increases affordability; especially with three or more providers

5. Redundancy Internet from two sources or two routes from the same provider Importance increases in relation to network use Some companies can afford to lose service Some cannot! Can your community offer the redundant services that tech-savvy businesses are seeking?

6. Wired or Wireless Wired Wireless Fiber is best Highest speeds Most reliable All providers installing deeper and deeper into networks on overbuild or network reconstruction/upgrades Never underestimate the ability of engineers to send data down a copper wire Increasing capabilities WiMax 4G 802.11n wi-fi Easy deployment Fast installation Low cost Satellite is a last resort technology

7. Business Issues Are your businesses ready, able and willing to make use of new technologies?

8. Do your businesses have a technology strategy? Internet selling and buying Web sites Transaction capability Relationships with customers and suppliers Marketing Web 2.0/Social media Blog Twitter

9. Do your businesses have the necessary skills and tech support? Are companies able to hire the people they need to manage technology? Are there qualified tech support companies in your community or very nearby? Does your community do anything to enhance this situation? Technology classes for business owners Attraction of tech support companies

10. Mobility Does your community have wireless services sufficient to support mobile operations for business? Are your businesses adopting mobile technologies to increase productivity and enhance customer service? What about in outlying rural areas of your business community’s service area?

11. Companies need connectivity and the sophistication to make use of it! Summary

12. Bill ColemanCommunity Technology Advisors651-491-2551 bill@communitytechnologyadvisors.comwww.communitytechnologyadvisors.com