Broadband consumer benefits include these examples:

• Retail sites such as Drugstore.com offer discounts on nonprescription orders and ships to any Zip Code in the country for a nominal ($5) charge.  While other sites such as RxforWV.org help connect qualified, low-income people with discount prescription drugs, direct from the pharmaceutical manufacturer.
• Auto sites such as Carpoint.com, Autobytel.com and Edmunds.com allow would-be car shoppers to conduct research and find MSRP prices before ever getting to the dealer’s lot.  These “cyber intermediaries” not only make car buyers better negotiators, but can reveal information on dealer incentives.
• Getting a better price is only half the benefit. Better information is also key in complex purchases such as cell-phone plans, cars, and computers. With the Internet, it's much easier and faster for you to figure out what is the best item to buy.
• Many people would prefer to have their on-line access at home because their surfing may involve topics people prefer to keep private, such as personal financial services and health-care information. Plus, it is much easier to research and read on-line from the convenience of your home. Broadband makes surfing the Web almost effortless and enjoyable.
• According to online shopping comparison portal Shopping.com, broadband users are five times more likely to actually make a purchase than their dial-up counterparts, who often have to wait for downloads and transactions to register, creating anxiety and uncertainty.