Broadband internet is not as common in many rural places when compared to cities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) says that about 35% of people on tribal lands in the United States don\u2019t have internet. In Montana, this number is even higher at about 40%. In Washington, 10% of rural residents lack internet access. These numbers show ongoing problems with getting connected that affect healthcare.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Without internet, many rural patients can\u2019t use telehealth services. This is a problem since there are fewer specialists nearby. Healthcare centers also find it hard to manage electronic health records, schedule appointments, and talk with patients, all of which need good internet.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Montana Governor Steve Bullock said all people, no matter where they live, should have wireless internet. He believes people in tribal and rural areas deserve the same internet access as those in cities. Washington Governor Jay Inslee also said technology is changing healthcare, education, and jobs, but many rural Americans are still not connected.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
One example of working to provide internet in rural and tribal areas is a partnership between Microsoft and Native Network. This project tries to connect over 70,000 people in Montana and Washington tribal lands with broadband.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This work is part of Microsoft\u2019s Airband Initiative, which wants to bring internet to two million rural Americans by mid-2022. The plan uses a mix of fiber cables and wireless signals. It also makes use of unused parts of the TV spectrum, called \u201cwhite space.\u201d These signals can reach places where cables cannot easily go.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Working with local groups like Native Network helps make solutions that fit each community. They can handle local challenges and use technology in ways that don\u2019t cost as much and work well. This helps rural healthcare providers connect with patients and specialists remotely.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Better internet helps healthcare in rural areas by supporting telemedicine, online patient portals, and advanced clinic workflows. It makes it easier for doctors to securely share patient information and work together between specialists and primary care doctors.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
For those managing rural medical offices, good internet helps with appointment booking, insurance claims, and reporting. It also gives staff better access to online training and resources.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Broadband can help solve the problem of not having enough healthcare workers in rural areas. Telecommuting is possible with good internet, which helps keep and hire staff. This is important for steady healthcare services in these communities.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n