Broadband Access in Rural America

Abstract

Without high speed access to information, people residing in rural areas become more isolated from the changes that are occurring globally and have fewer options for access to resources and opportunities. This research will look at this problem from the perspective of the broadband service providers as well as the rural populations that are impacted by this lack of access. The conclusions of this research will show that the excessive cost of creating broadband infrastructure in sparsely populated areas, and how this situation creates a digital divide leaving these populations at a disadvantage in gaining access to information further isolating these communities.