So at the end of last week I liked an article that was a pure business plan for broadband from a vendor perspective. This week starts with a business case or research report anyways on why the nation needs broadband (from Connected Nation).

“The Economic Impact of Stimulating Broadband Nationally” details the potential state-by-state impact of legislation to accelerate broadband access and use. The report’s findings suggest that the U.S. could realize an economic impact of $134 billion annually by accelerating broadband availability and use across all states. The map above shows the potential for broadband that exists in every U.S. state. Please take the time to review the report and the potential for broadband in the U.S.

Apparently the potential annual economic impact in Minnesota is $2,791,481,531.83.

I have to state first that I’m always a little wary of a report that comes up with such a precise number – but maybe that’s a reflection of my own inability to be both precise and accurate.

Here’s the breakdown they gave for Minnesota:

Additional jobs 4 8,691
Direct Impact Growth $2,021,172,957
Average Annual Healthcare Costs Served $11,446,205
Average Annual Mileage Costs Saved $111,405,012
Average Annual Hours Saved 64,845,051
Value of Hours Saved $647,153,606
Average Annual lbs of CO2 Emissions Cut 56,429,893
Value of Carbon Offsets $304,751
Total annual impact: $2,791,482,532 Continue reading →