THE RURAL DEFICIT

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.

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.

Do you have a story to share?

Through our multi-tier approach of Strategic Planning, Funding Partnerships and Community Awareness, we will work to eliminate the rural deficit in McDowell County.