Those of us with high-speed internet simply cannot imagine life without it. Yet, one-fourth of the rural U.S. population doesn’t have access to a broadband connection, according to the Pew Research Center.
We certainly see this in Kansas. Those living in areas lacking high-speed internet access are often hindered in their economic growth and face challenges accessing resources, including education and health care. If that’s not enough to convince you of the need to expand broadband infrastructure, think about this.
High-speed internet drives local economic prosperity. The sustainability of rural communities has long been challenged. Younger generations looking for career opportunities have been looking elsewhere and ultimately leaving to find employment.
Broadband changes this.
A recent survey of new adopters of broadband under the age of 30 reveals that 70% are more likely to remain in their community when there’s a high-speed internet connection at home. With high-speed internet comes confidence in employment opportunities and economic growth. It improves access to online jobs and remote work.