Why Wireless Broadband? - Business Use
Cities and businesses that prosper in the 21st century will be those that embrace and invest in new technology. Imagine a city where government services can be delivered anytime, anywhere and where businesses and citizens are totally connected. Following are some ways that businesses may benefit from a citywide wireless broadband network:
- Area businesses will be able to advertise to specific geographic areas or neighborhoods by advertising on the wireless network. A coupon that pops up for a haircut and/or a pizza in one business district could be for a pub or theater in a different district.
- Grand Rapids' open-access network will enable multiple ISPs to sell wireless Internet service, providing ample business opportunity for all.
- The network will help companies to reduce the cost of doing business by improving employee efficiencies. Employees will not need to stop by the office two or three times each day to check email, file paperwork, update inventories, etc. Any data available in the office will be available over the wireless network.
- Businesses will be able to significantly improve service delivery to customers with improved efficiencies and a more knowledgeable staff as they access necessary information using the network.
- Knowledge workers and young professionals will be attracted to a cool city where they are always connected anytime, anywhere Lower cost, high-speed broadband service for everyone will mean more money in residents' pockets to spend in area businesses and direct cost savings for local business.
- Mobile, nomadic, and portable will give employees access to critical information anytime, anywhere for effective decision making and service provision
- Live and interactive university, business, and self-improvement programs will be available to enhance resident and employee education.
- Work orders, delivery routes and corporate data will be accessible for updating by service and delivery trucks 24/7.
- Real estate agents and other property sales professionals will have immediate access to listings and virtual touring of real estate property.
- Sales staff will be up-to-date with current, real-time inventory and other essential data while meeting with clients anywhere in the city.
- Expired meter alerts and the ability to pay by credit card will make parking in the City more convenient for everyone.
- Building inspectors with access to critical blueprints, forms, and data will effectively minimize red tape and speed up the permit process, avoiding costly delays Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone applications will enable low-cost phone calls anywhere in the world.
- Residents and visitors will be able to shop online at local stores and malls.
- Visitors and conventioneers will be able to access Chamber of Commerce and Visitor and Convention Bureau Web sites from any location in the City.
- Health care costs may diminish as emergency workers gain immediate access to data, including EKGs, enabling them to make important decisions and call in necessary teams while a patient is enroute to the hospital.
- The ability for doctors and hospitals to remotely monitor patients from home will also help lower health care costs.
- Better communication will reduce red tape and costly delays, so that construction projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
- Business owners and facility managers will be able to remotely monitor heating, cooling, and security systems anytime, from anywhere, saving both time and resources.
- Business people will be able to catch up on work from home, the park, or the shopping mall.
- Chamber members will be able to access business network applications, just as if they were in the office.
- Video conference applications for conducting effective meetings with an unlimited number of people will be available anywhere in the City. A wireless broadband network will allow members to see the audience they're talking to and allow the audience to see the member's presentation step-by-step.
The benefits to economic development from a citywide wireless network are clear and compelling. It will not only make Grand Rapids a better site for firms to locate and to do business, but it will also enhance the desirability of the City's neighborhoods as a place to live.