The Austin Business Journal has published a guest editorial on the importance of expanding broadband access to rural communities. Here are some highlights from the piece by Texans for Economic Porgress Executive Director Robert Howden:

Having a broadband connection available to every household will make an immediate difference in how Texas educates its children. As we look down the road to high national unemployment for years to come, it is obvious that the better educated a job seeker is, the better chance he or she has of a successful search.

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Health care is another area where broadband access has immediate impact. In urban areas, seniors who are living independently can be equipped with relatively inexpensive devices, enabling them to send their vital signs to their physician's office, rather than having to take an expensive or physically difficult trip. Many physicians say just being able to "see" their patients through a Web camera can help them determine whether any medical intervention is needed.

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Finally, the ability to build a worldwide business from every den or spare bedroom in Texas will soon become a realistic dream. People won't have to work in the high-tech corridor in Austin to be able to create the next "must-have" iPhone app, or produce videos for clients that can be seen by people around the world. The Internet is indeed a powerful force in the 21st century world.

You can read the full editorial here.