Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2023 50 I t's crazy to think that in 2023 we're still talking about the effects of the COVID pandemic, but some of the impacts could be everlasting – namely, how COVID forced us to engage differently and leverage new and emerging technologies. Think of how we attend school and get to work evolved so rapidly. While schools have been back in-person for some time, and businesses are working to reintegrate employees to a more normal in-office life, those lifestyle changes continue to persist. Virtual classes and conferences are still the new routine. Video conferencing platforms are as popular as ever, and many consumers have gotten comfortable working from the home office. Layer on top of those factors those of us who have gamers at home – myself included. Online gaming has exploded and shows no signs of slowing. Needless to say, our home networks have been tested. Historically, we've always craved faster download speeds, and now with such heavy demands on our networks, faster speeds and wider bandwidth have become a necessity. When it comes to optimizing our home networks, fiber internet is far and away the best option – cable and DSL achieve roughly only half the upload speed of fiber, at best. And the opportunity to grow the current fiber network consumer base is massive, to say the least. CONSIDER THESE FIBER FACTS FROM THE FIBER BROADBAND ASSOCIATION: • Less than half of U.S. households have access to fiber internet, approximately 43 percent, or 60.5 million homes. • Of the homes with an option for fiber internet access, approximately 24.3 million (40 percent) are actually connected to the network. • There are over 100 million homes without access to fiber services. • The number of devices connected to the internet is expected to triple over the next five years. Simply put, some homes feel they can't afford it, and some simply don't have access; but that all should change in the near future. In 2021, Congress passed a relief package called the American Rescue Plan that provided $1.9 trillion in economic stimulus. Broadband received over $235 billion dollars! These funds are intended to fund an infrastructure build-out for affordable high- speed internet and connectivity for homes and businesses. So, what does this mean for the independent retail community? There's a lot to consider, both as a provider servicing your customers, and on the business side. Some things to consider: 1. Interested in earning commissions? Look into the internet category (specifically fiber solutions) and look for ways to help raise awareness and spread the use of fiber internet within your local community. There is a lot of service-provider funding in the form of commissions. 2. If fiber is available at your residence (or business), review the plans – they are often comparable to your current service pricing, or even less expensive. In addition, there might be exclusive offers. 3. Review the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to see if you qualify for government funding for your internet service. 4. If fiber isn't available at your residence or place of business, reach out to your local fiber internet provider. Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease. The march is on to get broadband service to every home and business, with government support. The growth in the fiber internet category will continue for years to come. Don't miss your opportunity to ride that wave. Eric Sindelar, Director of Connected Services, Nationwide Marketing Group THE NEED FOR SPEED (OR BANDWIDTH) IN HOME NETWORKS Eric Sindelar Connected Services RO

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