The Internet is becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life and it's being viewed, by both the public and governments, as a necessity, in line with electricity and running water. A new study by Pew Internet & American Life Project is confirming this perception showing that US citizens value their broadband Internet connections more than cell phones or cable TV.

"We found that broadband is now in the 'must keep' category for Americans, even when economic times are tough," said John B. Horrigan, principal author of the report. "Many consumers view their home broadband connection as a conduit for connecting to community and economic opportunities."

The study shows that 63 percent of adult Americans now have a broadband Internet connection and that broadband adoption rates went up 19 percent in the US this year a trend that is likely to continue. Also, broadband is a top priority for US citizens when it comes to technology as the majority would cut back on cell phone or cable TV spending before renouncing broadband. Only 9 percent of those surveyed cut back or canceled an Internet broadband connection in the past 12 months, while 22 percent did the same for cable TV. Also 22 percent have reduced their cell phone spending in the last year.

"The broadband stimulus package is intended to achieve targeted job creation," said Larry Irving, co-chairman of the Internet Innovation Alliance which held a symposium where the findings were presented. "However, we need to look beyond the temporary effects of the stimulus and make sure that we are investing in projects that create sustainable infrastructure. Especially when invested in emerging technologies like smart grids and e-Health, stimulus dollars have an opportunity to make a significant, and more importantly a lasting, economic impact."