Existing Conditions
Business Services
Business services that utilize broadband include data management , communication , and many information technology applications . For example , broadband can be used to conduct remote videoconferencing and data sharing between separate branches of a business . Remote computer access is also crucial for IT support applications .
Financial Services
Some applications of broadband in financial services include electronic fund transfers , communication between financial institutions , and online banking . When funds are being transferred , instant or near-instant communication between financial institutions is desirable in order to avoid errors . Online banking also has positive implications for the residents of any given region , allowing them to better manage their finances .
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Broadband is used in logistics and supply chain management to communicate between transportation hubs and vehicles , coordinate the movement of goods , and keep track of inventories . Broadband connectivity can greatly increase efficiency in these industries . For example , the movement of freight through an intermodal transportation facility can be made more efficient when data are available regarding what shipments are in which location .
Construction and Real Estate
Applications of broadband for construction and real estate include the sharing of construction plans , project coordination and scheduling , budget management , and general communication . In addition , broadband is important for marketing purposes in the real estate industry , and may be necessary for electronic permitting processes in some areas .
Research , Development , and Engineering Services
Broadband access is important for research because it provides instant access to needed information . For example , given a high bandwidth , universities where research is conducted can share library resources and research databases instantly , either between branches of a single university or between multiple universities . The same is true for engineering services .
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Broadband has become very important for agriculture in recent years . When food production takes place on a large scale , broadband connectivity allows for better coordination in the field ; for example , agricultural machines can communicate with each other to track which areas have been planted . The same is true for the application of fertilizer and pesticides , and for harvesting . Broadband access also allows the products of agriculture to be tracked in the supply chain . Inventories and shipments of produce and / or livestock can be tracked and coordinated , helping to avoid post-harvest loss and other inefficiencies .
Employment Centers
In addition to projecting population , the Polk TPO projects employment at the Traffic Analysis Zone level . Figure 16 shows employment per square mile as of 2010 . The areas in the county with the greatest concentration of employment are Lakeland and Winter Haven . There are additional areas of high employment density in Bartow and Mulberry ; in the communities along US Route 27 from Davenport south to Lake Wales ; and in the far northeast area of the county around the intersection of US Route 27 and Interstate 4 .
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