Broadband and society

Beyond a doubt, broadband Internet is becoming an increasingly important factor in today's society. Scarcely an area of our lives is not directly or indirectly affected by broadband Internet. Two of these important areas are addressed in "Deutschland Online 4", and they make clear the potential for change represented by broadband Internet. One area consists of education and work, the other constitutes the health-care sector. The following gives you a better idea of how broadband Internet is affecting these key sectors of society.

• Broadband Internet represents a key engine of the information society in Germany.
• The social role of broadband Internet will continue to grow, particularly in the areas of work, education and health care.
• Broadband Internet supports the growth of telecommuting - an important factor in making career and family compatible.
• The health-care sector will benefit from e-health applications, particularly in the area of savings and patient care.