The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative

Issue No. 48  July 2012 eNews: The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative
Related Information and Resources

e-Commerce evaluation report coming soon

A preliminary report has been completed by the National Public Policy Evaluation Center regarding the National e-Commerce Extension Initiative, an effort coordinated by the SRDC. This report provides observations and results regarding e-News usability and e-Commerce trainer and program information. Report will be released soon. Stay tuned!

U.S. Census Internet usage data recently released

The U.S. Census Bureau released Internet usage for households using the October 2010 Current Population survey. According to the figures, 75.9 percent of individuals 3 years or older live in households with Internet access. Likewise, 65 percent of individuals 3 years or over access the Internet at home versus 38.9 percent accessing it from some location outside of home. To see the data, click here.

The National Agricultural and Rural Development Policy Center issues call for proposals on broadband issues

The National Agricultural and Rural Development Policy Center has issued a call for proposals regarding broadband access, adoption, and application. The research study should address issues related to the digital divide between urban and rural and factors impeding or strengthening broadband adoption among others. The maximum amount available is $15,000. The RFP is due on or before August 17, 2012. For more information, click here.

Lifeline Broadband Adoption Program update

According to the Federal Communications Commission, 24 applications were received related to the Lifeline Broadband Adoption Pilot Program. This program seeks to increase the low rate of broadband adoption among low-income Americans. The data gathered from this program will help design an effective lifeline broadband support program. For a list of the applications received, click here.

The Cost of Connectivity compares Internet prices

A recently released report from the New America Foundation, "The Cost of Connectivity," compared high-speed Internet prices in 22 cities worldwide. The report found that U.S. consumers tend to pay higher prices for slower speeds compared to consumers abroad. To read the full report, click here.

Google Fiber now available

Google announced its "Google Fiber" network in Kansas City. This network offers Internet connections up to 1GB, or 100 times faster than current average broadband connections. Interested customers must follow a three-step process including pre-registering, choosing their Internet package, and scheduling an install. Packages can include, in addition to the ultra-fast Internet connection, TV and/or 1TB of Google drive cloud storage. For more information, click here.

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Did you know?

39% of adults 65 years or more had broadband at home

75% of adults ages 18-29 had broadband at home

Source: Pew Internet April 2012 survey

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