In an economy which is still struggling, one Ohio non-profit believes they've found a key component to improving revenues. A recent survey from the organization, Connect Ohio, shows a link between high speed internet use and a businesses bottom line.
At the Orthopaedic Institute of Ohio, using high speed internet service saves physicians time when diagnosing or treating a patient.
"X-rays at the hospital can be viewed here at the practice," said Kathy Ackerman, administrator at OIO.
The documents are securely shared online. Before broadband internet, though, the records were physically moved from location to location. At OIO having broadband just makes good business sense.
"You can do it better and faster with broadband right now," said Randy Bosler, Director of Sales at Telephone Service Company which offers high speed internet for businesses.
However, according to a new study by the non-profit organization Connect Ohio about 1/3 of businesses in the state don't use broadband for their daily business needs.
According to the Connect Ohio study, the average cost of broadband for a business in Ohio is just over $67 dollars a month. Their research show those who pay that price, reap the benefits.
Connect Ohio found that small businesses with broadband have an average revenue of $335,000. Revenue for those without broadband was about $268,000.
Sarah Beth Wilcox uses high speed internet to market her business, Cloud Nine Cafe in Wapakoneta.
"Facebook helps a lot. People go on everyday to see what desserts we have," said Wilcox.
Wilcox often hears customers say they gather at the restaurant because it's a good meeting point between larger cities like Dayton and Toledo, and she says many say they found the restaurant online.
