Many rural areas in the United States have trouble getting reliable broadband internet. This problem became clearer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural schools and healthcare providers had difficulty offering virtual classes and telehealth services. For example, Fresno County in California, which includes rural places like Caruthers and Riverdale, had serious internet problems. Public libraries had to keep their lights on all night so students could use the Wi-Fi from the parking lot because many homes did not have internet access.
Studies show that in 2015, 93% of Americans had broadband access, but less than 70% of rural residents did. By 2018, about 25% of rural residents had no wired broadband option. This internet gap affects not only education but also healthcare, jobs, banking, and social services. It limits participation in today’s economy.
Research in the United States and Europe shows that broadband helps economic growth, especially in rural areas. In the European Union, a study of 1,348 regions found that more broadband coverage led to higher economic growth per person. When rural broadband coverage reaches a high level, its effect on the economy grows stronger.
In the United States, projects like the one in Fresno County, where Comcast and the state government work together, try to close the digital gap. A $1 million federal grant plus money from Comcast supports broadband rollout to underserved areas by 2026. These investments help schools and local economies by offering better internet infrastructure. This makes the area more attractive for business, creates jobs, and improves life quality.
The connection between broadband and jobs is clear. A study in 14 countries, including Rwanda and Brazil, found that when 3G mobile coverage rose by 10%, employment went up by more than 2%. Better internet helps people find jobs far from their homes by using online platforms and remote work options.
Schools and healthcare need strong internet, especially as more services move online. Rural schools faced problems during the pandemic because many kids had no devices or internet at home. In Caruthers Unified School District, a town with about 2,500 people, 88 students had trouble learning until Comcast donated laptops. This kind of help improves education.
In healthcare, internet allows telehealth services. This means patients do not need to travel far for doctor visits. They can have consultations, checkups, and follow-ups online. Telemedicine was especially important during the pandemic when going to the doctor in person was hard.
Broadband also helps healthcare workers. It makes data sharing and communication faster. With good internet, providers can offer better care using technology, even in remote rural areas.
Broadband cooperatives are groups owned by members or the community. They have been suggested as a way to improve internet in rural America. These cooperatives focus on serving members instead of making profits. But starting new cooperatives is expensive. Costs for running and maintaining service are often high.
Research shows that for a rural broadband cooperative to work, there needs to be at least 14 potential customers per mile and 62% of them must subscribe. This is hard in places with few people. Utility cooperatives that add broadband usually do better because they can share costs across many users and use existing infrastructure.
Despite challenges, public benefits like better healthcare and education make funding broadband expansion worthwhile. Programs like California’s Public Utilities Commission and federal grants show the government supports efforts to close the digital divide.
Not having internet adds to economic and social gaps. Around the world, about 45% of households have no internet. Gaps exist between rich and poor areas, rural and urban places, and different groups. In the U.S., low-income and minority families, including Black, Hispanic, and Native American households, often lack broadband. In some southern states, 40% to 50% of students do not have reliable home internet, and 60% cannot afford internet or devices.
These inequalities affect education, job chances, and social life. Many middle-skill jobs require digital skills and regular internet use. Without connection, workers miss these opportunities and economic gaps continue.
Programs that increase internet access show positive results. In one Texas school district, spending more on internet raised graduation rates by 4.7%. This shows how important it is to invest not only in broadband but also in teaching digital skills and making access fair.
Broadband internet is now seen as basic infrastructure for rural areas, like roads, electricity, or water. It helps deliver important services and connects communities to larger economies. Studies link broadband coverage to higher GDP per person, increased housing prices, and more jobs in rural counties.
Though building broadband networks costs a lot in the beginning, the long-term benefits make it worthwhile. Closing the gap between urban and rural internet can bring growth and chances to places that have fallen behind cities.
Better broadband makes it possible to use AI and automation more in healthcare. For administrators and IT managers, faster internet means tools like phone automation, AI appointment scheduling, and virtual patient triage can work well.
For example, Simbo AI offers front-office phone automation and AI answering services. Their systems help clinics and hospitals handle many calls, reduce waiting times, and connect patients to the right departments faster. This is helpful in rural areas with small staff and changing patient needs.
AI systems also automate tasks like patient registration, reminders, and billing questions. With fast internet, these systems work smoothly, improving patient care and lowering costs.
Telehealth platforms also use AI for symptom checks, virtual assistants, and personalized monitoring. This technology helps remote communities get medical help without having to travel far.
Broadband growth also improves data sharing and electronic health records, which help coordinate care. AI can analyze patient data to find health problems early, plan treatments, and predict what resources are needed. This is especially important in underserved areas with limited healthcare facilities.
Healthcare leaders and IT managers in rural and underserved parts of the United States face unique challenges in giving good care and running clinics well. Better broadband offers the tools to overcome many of these problems.
Broadband supports telehealth, online education, and AI-based management tools. These can improve health services and help local economies grow. Programs like California’s Last Mile initiative and federal grants continue to fund broadband expansion. Healthcare providers can benefit by using new technologies designed for the needs of underserved groups.
Good internet helps not only with patient care but also with creating jobs and increasing social inclusion. It is an important resource for rural healthcare providers who want to improve service and make their work easier with AI and automation.
The main issue is lack of access to reliable internet, which became particularly evident during the pandemic when students needed to participate in virtual learning.
During the pandemic, rural school districts struggled to provide virtual education due to barriers such as lack of internet access and devices for students.
A partnership between Comcast, the state of California, and Fresno County was established to improve rural internet access and decrease the digital divide.
Comcast donated laptops to 88 students in Caruthers Unified School District to help them access the internet for educational purposes.
The project aims to provide reliable, high-speed broadband to underserved households, enhancing access to online learning, telehealth, and employment opportunities.
The project is supported by a $1 million Federal Funding Account grant from the California Public Utilities Commission and private funding from Comcast.
The ‘Last Mile’ broadband program, initiated in 2021, aims to address digital divide disparities in low-income rural communities, ensuring access to quality internet.
Mendes emphasized the need for reliable internet at home, highlighting that the pandemic exposed the lack of access and the necessity for community solutions.
Improved internet access supports online learning, telehealth appointments, banking services, and creates job opportunities, boosting economic growth and quality of life.
During the pandemic, libraries in the area kept their lights on so students could use internet access from the parking lot, illustrating the urgent need for connectivity.
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