Benefits of Community Internet for Telehealth ROI: Reduced Costs, Improved Access, Efficiency, and More

Investing in community internet infrastructure offers significant potential for a return on investment (ROI) through savings from telehealth. Here are several ways community-owned broadband networks can contribute to telehealth-related savings:

1. Reduced Travel Costs: Reliable broadband enables patients to access telehealth services from their homes, reducing the need for travel to medical facilities. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas where healthcare facilities are often far away. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) can help deliver reliable connectivity in such regions, providing a cost-effective solution for telehealth services​​​​.
2. Improved Access to Care: Community broadband networks can ensure consistent and high-speed internet access, essential for effective telehealth services. This allows for regular monitoring and consultations, which can lead to better management of chronic conditions and reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations, thereby lowering overall healthcare costs​​​​.
3. Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery: Telehealth can streamline the delivery of healthcare services, allowing for more efficient use of healthcare providers’ time and resources. This efficiency can translate into cost savings for healthcare systems and patients alike​​​​.
4. Economic and Social Benefits: Enhanced broadband infrastructure can support a range of applications beyond telehealth, including remote work, education, and e-commerce. These benefits can lead to overall economic growth and improved quality of life in the community, contributing to the ROI from a broader perspective​​​​.
5. Grants and Funding: Significant funding is available for broadband infrastructure projects, which can help communities offset initial investment costs. Programs such as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program provide substantial financial support for broadband expansion, which can be leveraged to develop telehealth capabilities​​​​.
6. Case Studies and Examples: Communities like Orangeburg, South Carolina, have demonstrated the benefits of community broadband in providing essential services, including telehealth. The success of such initiatives highlights the potential for substantial ROI through improved healthcare access and economic development​​.

In summary, investing in community broadband networks not only provides direct savings through reduced travel and healthcare costs but also offers broader economic and social benefits. The availability of funding and the proven effectiveness of such projects in other communities further support the case for community internet as a worthwhile investment for telehealth and beyond.