According to the survey and polling website Statista, 84% of the US population (or around 274.9 million people) have access to the web. Since more and more areas around the country are getting access to high-speed internet, we may expect this figure to rise. Having it available in rural locations can benefit local communities in numerous ways. Internet access is beneficial for a community’s economy, education system, and even residents’ health.
Let us explore more of that below.
1. It Expands the Potential Customer Base for Regional Enterprises
A community’s residents gain when its businesses succeed. The successes of local businesses have a multiplier effect on the community, providing inhabitants with more jobs and more government funding for improved public services. Having access to high-speed internet is crucial to the success of local businesses, which in turn boosts the local economy.
According to US Telecom, a trade group for the broadband industry, small businesses account for roughly 66% of all new jobs in rural areas. Satellite internet connection in rural places not only helps local companies thrive but also brings in more tourists and, therefore, more revenue for the local economy.
2. It Improves a Company’s Productivity and Efficiency
When businesses in the area function more effectively, the entire neighborhood benefits. Local companies contribute to a better quality of life for residents by paying taxes and providing employment. Software aiding in the processing of payments, filing of taxes, and scheduling of employees are just some of the ways in which businesses can benefit from having access to the internet and related software. More enterprises will be able to succeed with these resources, which will boost local economies.
3. It Amplifies Learning and Expands Access to Educational Resources
Schools’ internet access has grown increasingly important as it has allowed for the expansion of available educational resources. By piquing parents’ curiosity about their children’s schoolwork, schools can assist in strengthening family connections and improving student achievement. Access to students’ and parents’ grades and upcoming project deadlines is another benefit of schools’ online resources. In order to keep their equipment running and their students and faculty in constant communication, several schools that are outside of cable’s reach have begun using high-speed satellite internet.
As the availability of internet-connected devices has increased, so too have the possibilities for education; from online homeschooling to adult education, the internet and, more specifically, high-speed internet connection have opened up a variety of new avenues for learning.
4. It Improves Access to Healthcare by Linking Communities Collectively
Patients in rural areas have historically had more difficulty accessing healthcare due to their greater distance from healthcare institutions, which in turn have had to care for more people. As reported by the National Rural Health Association, a disparity exists between the availability of primary care physicians in rural and urban areas. In rural areas, there are only 39.8 physicians per 100,000 residents.
Telehealth, on the other hand, is a flourishing industry that has proven notably useful in rural areas by expanding access to medical care. People in these areas don’t necessarily have to leave their homes to get the care they need.
5. It Aids in Finding Employment for You and Your Loved Ones
Improvements in internet bandwidth have also contributed to the expansion of telework, making it possible for more people to do their jobs from home or strike out on their own. Fundera reports that there has been an increase of 115% in telework since 2005. Employees and businesses alike can gain from it. Telecommuting benefits both employers and employees by expanding employment options to underserved areas and reducing the time and cost of daily commutes. Workers in locations not serviced by cable can still do their jobs because of high-speed satellite internet.
The growth of the internet and other sectors has also spawned new employment opportunities. Information technology (IT), in particular, and cyber security, in general, have developed into massive markets. But young people can find even more opportunities inside their own rural communities. Those comfortable with technology can increase their employability by assisting local firms with digital marketing tasks like creating and maintaining a website and social media presence.
Conclusion
Overall, high-speed internet access is essential for a community’s economic development and quality of life. It can help businesses grow and create jobs by facilitating communication and commerce. It can also improve access to education and health care and make it easier for people to stay connected with friends and family.
With the ever-increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet access, it is clear that investing in high-speed infrastructure is a wise choice for any community looking to stay ahead of the curve.
If you are looking for reliable high-speed internet providers in Kansas, OK, look no further than our services here at SSTELCO. We are committed to providing best-in-class services to our rural communities, including customer care, telephone, and Fiber-to-the-Home. Call us today, and let us provide your community with the high-speed connection that it needs.
