For many of us, there’s not a minute that goes by when we aren’t connected to the internet. Whether through WiFi at home, at a nearby cafe, or accessed via a phone’s data plan, it’s never been easier to check your Instagram or send an email. Of course, this is assuming you live in a populated part of the country. In rural areas of the United States, nearly 25 percent of residents still lack access to broadband internet or internet with a 25 Mbps download speed.
But times are changing. In recent years, private businesses and state and federal governments have begun pioneering new approaches to expanding internet access for rural Americans. Before diving into these approaches, however, it’s important to understand why this divide exists and why it matters.
A Geographic and Demographic Challenge
There are several methods of delivering broadband internet service. Digital subscriber lines (DSL) transmit internet service through traditional phone lines. Fiber optic cables and cable-based connections deliver Internet service through the same lines used for television service.
Unfortunately, most cable and internet providers aren’t willing to invest in the infrastructure needed for these internet delivery methods since rural areas are typically large with few customers. Satellite internet, which can be costly and have inconsistent service, is often the only option.
Unsurprisingly, the cost of internet service in rural communities has created an additional divide between low-income and higher-income residents within these communities. The rate of broadband adoption among high-income rural residents is comparable to those in urban communities.
The lack of high-speed internet for low-income rural Americans is leading to a range of consequences. For example, these residents are unable to access telehealth services. They also cannot access remote, online jobs or take classes online. It’s preventing upward social mobility and leading to poor health.
The good news is that relief may be in sight. Here are a few of the proposed initiatives to expand rural internet access.
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The USDA Is Investing in Internet Infrastructure in Rural Areas
As mentioned earlier, one of the key challenges in delivering broadband Internet to rural communities is the size of these areas and the small number of customers. It’s costly to build the necessary infrastructure, and there are too few customers to make it worthwhile for internet providers.
Fortunately, the federal government is stepping in. Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program, corporations, state and local governments, Native American tribes, and other entities can apply for grants and loans of up to $200 million to fund high-speed internet infrastructure projects.
Since its launch in 2018, the ReConnect program has invested over $1 billion in Internet infrastructure projects in rural communities. It will likely continue playing a major role in expanding broadband Internet access in the coming years.
Mobile Internet Hotspots Are Capitalizing on the Expansion of 4G and 5G Networks
If you were to look at a mobile LTE coverage map of the United States, you’ll quickly notice that nearly all of the country is blanketed. Some providers are now taking advantage of this near-universal cell phone coverage to deliver Internet access to residents of rural communities.
It’s simple. Americans in rural communities can either purchase a mobile hotspot or create a hotspot using their smartphone. The hotspot uses 4G and 5G coverage from cell phone networks to deliver fast and unlimited rural wireless Internet services to communities that previously had limited access.
These hotspots can even be used on the go, whether traveling for work or fun. It’s one of the easiest ways to get quality high-speed internet service.
Technological Innovations Are Making Fiber Optic Cable Networks Cheaper
Historically, establishing a fiber optic cable network has not been cheap. Studies have found that it can cost $1 to $6 to install a single foot of fiber optic cable. Needless to say, few internet providers are willing to foot that bill: especially when it’s unlikely to generate a significant amount of new revenue.
However, recent advances in engineering could soon begin to reduce the cost associated with building fiber optic cable networks. Usually, fiber optic cables are buried three feet underground during the installation process. This is labor-intensive and contributes to the high costs. Some engineers today, however, are using a new process called microtrenching, in which cables are buried in trenches that are about a foot deep and one to two inches wide.
It’s allowing teams to finish projects much faster and at a cheaper price. Fiber optic internet providers found they could install up to 3,000 feet of cabling a day using microtrenching, compared to 500 feet a day through traditional methods.
Closing the Divide
While the digital divide still exists between rural and urban communities, it’s clear that progress is being made to close it. Unlimited rural internet is needed, and possible. The next few years will prove critical in delivering equitable access to quality internet for all Americans.
