AUSTIN, TX – Broadband plays a key role in business performance and the implications for a continuing economic recovery, according to a new report released by Connected Texas. Online sales in Texas account for approximately $32.2 billion in annual sales revenue, yet approximately 87,000 Texas businesses still do not use or have access to broadband.

“Broadband connectivity allows communities to attract new businesses, create more jobs, and opens doors to the global economy,” says Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples. “Expanding broadband service is key to creating opportunities and efficiencies for Texas businesses.”

“These findings are important to all policymakers and business leaders in Texas,” says Connected Texas Executive Director Don Shirley. “Expanding broadband access, adoption and use is critical to economic growth and vital to ensure Texas keeps growing in the global digital economy.”

The report is based on a survey of 811 business establishments in Texas. Among the report’s key findings:

• Broadband-connected businesses bring in approximately $120,000 more in annual median revenues than non-connected businesses.

• 186,000 (36 percent) Texas businesses use the Internet to advertise job openings or accept job applications.

• Approximately 186,000 Texas businesses allow employees to telework, including approximately 21,000 rural businesses.

• Nearly one in three Hispanic-owned Texas businesses earn a portion of their annual revenues from online sales.

• About 333,000 Texas business establishments have websites, including 53,000 rural businesses.

For several years, Connected Texas’ parent organization, Connected Nation, has worked to quantify the impact that increased broadband availability and utilization has on the economy. The broadband and business study is an annual study to provide insights in the business side of broadband adoption. Across Texas, 83 percent of businesses subscribe to broadband service, a significant increase from 2010, when 73 percent of businesses subscribed.

Connected Texas’ Business Technology Assessment was conducted as part of the State Broadband Initiative (SBI) grant program, funded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The business survey results have been independently peer reviewed, and this survey will be used by state and local leaders to help drive increased adoption and use of broadband through Connected Texas’ connected community engagement program.

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