Technology surrounds us every day and it is difficult for us to imagine that 39% of America’s rural populations still don’t have broadband access. This statistic is even more startling when you compare that with the only 4% of urban communities that go without. This is according to the 2016 Broadband Progress Report for the Federal Communications Commission, “While the nation continues to make progress in broadband deployment, many Americans still lack access to advanced, high-quality voice, data, graphics and video offerings, especially in rural areas…”
This is where Direct Communications comes into play. We are dedicated to moving high-quality capabilities to Idaho’s rural communities. We know that when fast and dependable broadband access is provided; educational, medical, political, cultural and economic growth will follow.
The following are just a few ways that we have seen improvement in our Idaho communities with access to high-speed broadband:
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Every day remote employment becomes more of the norm. With high-speed access, we are providing opportunities for employees to live in rural communities while securing higher paying jobs. This can be a huge boost to rural economies and provide employment for people who enjoy rural living but could not otherwise be able to work in a rural community.
IMPROVED HEALTH CARE SERVICES:
With access to high-speed internet, our rural health care providers can upgrade their equipment to all digital as well as allow face-to-face conferencing between doctors in rural communities and specialists all over the world. They are now able to provide faster, higher quality and overall better care for their patients.
EDUCATIONAL ACCESS:
Our rural Idaho schools are now able to create a curriculum that is based on an individualized learning platform. This means that students can learn at their own pace with the support of online learning programs. High-speed is also providing students with early-access online college learning programs. This prepares students to enter their college of choice sometimes a year ahead of most incoming freshman.
Creating a higher standard of living is key to the mission of Direct Communications. Located in Rockland, Idaho (population 300) we understand the opportunity for growth and a better quality of life when small communities are given the access to high-speed internet. We hope you will support us as we seek to expand and provide more services to our rural communities.