The Rural Gap

In McDowell County, you have to make a choice; you either live or work in town or in a rural area. If you choose to live or work in a rural location, you're most likely going to have very limited access to fast and affordable broadband internet services.​

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How can having access to affordable and reliable broadband internet improve our community?

• Attract more technical and higher paying jobs into the area.
• Save money and gas on entertaining by allowing access to streaming services and online gaming.
• Allow medical practices to use the latest life saving equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Give students the ability to complete homework online, increasing productivity and giving them more opportunities to succeed.
• Create part-time job opportunities for stay at home parents.
• Provide tele-medicine services to patients that lack reliable transportation to see doctors or pick up medical prescriptions.
• Allow distance learning online and increase earning potential 
• Access to online banking allows for better financial management.