Only 38 percent of rural Americans have access to a high-speed internet connection, while in urban areas 58 percent of people have access to a high-speed connection. In fact, living in a rural area is a greater indicator than either race or income in predicting access to a high-speed connection. A vibrant future for rural America will require public policy that rectifies this situation.
High-speed internet is revolutionizing the way we do business, and with this can come great opportunity for rural America. However, as long as millions of rural Americans are without broadband service and others are served only marginally, we will continue to fall behind in adoption of a technology that could propel us forward.
High-speed internet is changing how we interact with our government. From conducting political campaigns, to issue advocacy, to holding our legislators accountable, the internet is revolutionizing politics and governing itself. If rural Americans are not able to participate at the same rate as urban Americans, we will suffer worse policy and less government accountability to issues that matter to rural people and rural places.
High-speed internet must be abundant, affordable, and open. The U.S. ranks 16th worldwide for the percent of citizens that have high-speed internet access, and we pay more when we do have access. In rural areas both access and affordability are significantly worse. Finally, any broadband network must remain open to all points of view, and private providers should be prohibited from blocking or filtering traffic in any way that curtails our right to free speech.
Access to high-speed internet in the 21st century is a public necessity similar to access to electricity in the 20th century. Much like the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, we need a Rural Broadband Act of 2009. Doing so is crucial to the future of rural America.
Contact: Brian Depew,
briand@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x1015 for more information or to comment.
Dakota Rural Action has been a close ally of the Center for Rural Affairs since the South Dakota grassroots organization was established. In particular, Dakota Rural Action is a key ally in South Dakota on livestock market reforms, beginning farmer and rancher initiatives and on anti-corporate farming laws. Visit them online today. 
