What is Broadband?

Broadband is high-speed Internet service made available through your local telephone or cable provider and increasingly over wireless networks. Faster than traditional dial-up service, broadband allows users to search the web and download e-mail faster, which increases the productivity of businesses, improves access to educational resources and supports the latest in health care services.

Many studies have shown that increased broadband use leads to:

• A more productive workforce.
• Greater economic development.
• Better opportunities for education from kindergarten to adult continuing education.
• Better health care services and reduced costs.

Mississippi needs a comprehensive strategy to move the state toward greater broadband use and availability. That's why we are building a map of where broadband is available and working with civic and business leaders, educators, state and local officials, and health care providers on solutions to increase the use of broadband and maximize its benefits for the state.