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Infographic: 5 Undeniable Impacts of Rural Broadband

Rural broadband five undeniable impacts high-speed internet rural north carolina wilmington CloudWyze

 

Access to high-speed internet is not a reality for everyone in the U.S. In fact, 14.5 million people in rural communities must seek access to Wi-Fi outside the home. Activities that many take for granted–binge-watching tv shows, working remotely, or taking a video call from a friend—simply aren’t available to those living without internet access.  

As you can imagine, a lack of access to rural broadband has much larger implications than missing out on the hottest new show. The real issue is that communities with no access or ultra-slow connections are stymied in several key areas: education, economics, job growth, public services, and healthcare. 

Continue reading to learn more about the internet access disparity and how it fundamentally affects those areas, particularly in rural communities with a majority-minority population. 

Rural Broadband: How a Lack of Access Impacts Communities 

Just like water or electricity, the internet is a basic utility. When a community has slow access or no access, its members miss out on fundamental services that enrich their lives. Connectivity allows a rural community and its members to thrive.  

We pulled together the following infographic to highlight the deep impact rural broadband access has on communities. Check it out! 

 

5 UNDENIABLE IMPACTS OF BROADBAND IN RURAL AREAS A whopping 14.5 million people in rural communities across the country are forced to visit the nearest fast-food restaurant or gas station to get access to internet. Beyond inconvenience, this disparity impacts key services that help rural areas to grow and thrive. Here are some ways communities are impacted by a lack of access to high-speed internet. iii MO 1-IN-3 PARENTS The number of people with lower incomes who reported needing public Wi-Fi because they lacked reliable internet service at home. 44% The percentage of majority-African American rural counties without access to broadband. The percentage of majority-Native American 73% rural counties without access to broadband. Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a basic utility for modern life. Read on to find out how broadband access can fundamentally and overwhelmingly benefit rural communities. CHILDREN EDUCATION A 2020 study found that students without internet access or those forced to rely on a cellphone were half of a grade point behind their peers. Broadband access ensures greater opportunities and outcomes for students and their communities. $00.00 $ ECONOMY According to The World Bank, a 10% increase in broadband penetration can lead to a 1.21% jump in GDP growth in developed economies and a 1.38% jump in developing economies. High-speed internet improves economic performance and incentivizes infrastructure investments. HEALTHCARE From April 2019 to April 2020, national privately insured telehealth claims rose by more than 8,000%. Rural residents often drive at least an hour to see a physician or go to the hospital. Broadband allows them to seek medical care from the providers from their own homes. JOB OPPORTUNITIES In an October 2020 survey, 36% of respondents said a lack of high-speed internet was a barrier to moving to rural areas. After all, they wouldn't have the potential to telework. Broadband increases job opportunities that keep people in the community, especially young adults who may otherwise move away for work. PUBLIC BENEFITS SNAP benefits, unemployment insurance, Supplemental Security Income, amongst others went completely virtual during the pandemic. Also, public offices and libraries shut down, thus making access to services impossible for those without internet access. Broadband ensures these services are always accessible. GET CONNECTED WITH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET FROM CLOUDWYZE Our team is made up of North Carolinians who are passionate about closing the access gap in rural communities across the state. They understand the specific needs of their neighbors and are ready to help connect them to a world of possibilities. Visit CloudWyze.com to learn more about our internet service or to find out if service is available in your area. Sources: https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progress-reports/eighth-broadband-progress- report; https://www.americanprogress.org/article/rural-broadband-investments-promote-inclusive-economy/: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/04/30/53-of-americans-say-the-internet-has-been-essential-during-the- covid-19-outbreak/; https://www.thirdway.org/report/the-racial-equality-and-economic-opportunity-case-for- expanding-broadband; https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/poor-internet-connection-leaves-rural-students- behind; https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/economic-case-bringing-broadband-rural-united-states; https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20201026.515764/full/; https://www.satelliteinternet.com/resources/wfh-internet-survey/: CloudWyze

 

Get High-Speed Fiber Internet from CloudWyze 

At CloudWyze, we’re passionate about delivering our North Carolina neighbors affordable, dependable internet service that’s lightning fast.  We’re doing our part to address internet access equity issues. We’ve launched our high-speed fiber internet services in several Easter North Carolina counties, and we’re only just getting started.  

Looking for high-speed internet? Check to see if you have CloudWyze internet service available in your area! Click here to get started.