By Rosa Mendoza, Founder, President and CEO, ALLvanza and Tina Metzer, Co-Founder, RuralRISE
In an increasingly connected world, access to reliable broadband internet is not a luxury. It is a necessity. However, the digital divide (the gap between individuals or communities who have access to modern information and communication technologies and those who do not) continues to hold back rural communities across the United States. Bridging this gap is critical not only for the success of people in rural America but for the nation’s ability to thrive and continue to lead in the innovation economy.
As recently as 2020, nearly one in four Americans living in rural areas lacked broadband access, compared to approximately one in one hundred in urban areas, according to a study by the Federal Communications Commission. As Congress and the current administration work to evaluate and fund rural broadband initiatives, they must ensure taxpayer funds are being used as effectively as possible. Our elected officials must be pursuing every strategy to get America connected.
A crucial component of an effective broadband expansion strategy involves designing government programs that employ a variety of technologies where appropriate. Policymakers must recognize that although fiber should be deployed when possible, no single technology will be the perfect solution for every community. For example, fiber optic connections offer high-speed internet, but can be challenging to deploy in very remote or geographically difficult areas. In such cases, alternative technologies like fixed wireless can offer an economical solution to connecting consumers in hard-to-reach rural communities.
By embracing such a customized approach, government programs can ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used in the most efficient manner possible based on local conditions, with funding allocated based on what is most feasible in each specific region. Although fiber optics provide sustainable and scalable connectivity, other emerging technologies, such as fixed wireless and satellite broadband, can play a crucial role in helping us achieve universal broadband access. Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite broadband, and emerging innovations in connectivity must all be part of the equation to achieve universal broadband access.
At RuralRISE, we believe that broadband isn’t just infrastructure—it’s opportunity. From education to entrepreneurship, broadband unlocks the potential of rural communities and ensures they have a seat at the table in today’s innovation economy. Bridging the digital divide is not just a technology issue—it’s about strengthening every part of rural life, from health care and education to business, agriculture, and community connection. Ensuring universal broadband access is especially critical in rural areas, where limited connectivity impacts students, businesses, and entire communities. Without access to fast upload and download speeds, students in rural areas are at a significant disadvantage. If these students can’t access the internet, how can we expect them to become proficient in reading, math, and science, let alone have access to advanced and specialized programs that allow them to explore different career paths?
Likewise, entire business categories are functionally off-limits without broadband. How could a group of recent college graduates start a video-editing business in their hometown, for instance, if a lack of access to the internet or a slow internet connection keeps them from uploading and downloading the files they need? Even common communications tools like Zoom suffer in rural America, and those who want to work remotely from rural areas don’t have the opportunity to do so.
Rural communities heavily rely on their local businesses, and it’s essential that entrepreneurs and small business owners have the tools they need to grow their ideas and run their operations effectively. Without reliable internet access, however, they’re at a serious disadvantage in today’s digital economy, where connectivity is key to everything from marketing to managing logistics.
When rural communities are left behind, the nation suffers. To keep its leadership in the innovation economy, the U.S. must ensure everyone has the tools to participate fully in the digital future. Failure to do so could mean finding ourselves surpassed by other nations that are aggressively tackling their own digital divides and investing in tech-forward education and infrastructure.
Though improving infrastructure is a must, closing the rural digital divide goes beyond just establishing a connection—it’s about equipping people with the skills and tools to use this technology effectively. For rural students, workers, and business owners, this means:
Access to appropriate technology: Reliable internet is just the starting point. Rural communities also need devices, software, and IT support to harness the power of digital tools.
Technology skills for the future: Schools and training programs must go beyond teaching basic computer skills. They should focus on preparing individuals to be creators of technology, not just consumers, by teaching them how to develop and build with technology, as well as fostering the skills needed for future innovation. This includes introducing them to coding, engineering, precision agriculture, and more.
Pathways to innovation: Encouraging young people in rural areas to explore STEM careers can offer them transformative opportunities and open doors to new possibilities. With the right resources and mentorship, these students can contribute meaningfully to industries that are shaping the future, from renewable energy and artificial intelligence to innovations in agriculture, such as precision farming and the use of drones for crop monitoring, all of which are creating new opportunities and driving progress across various sectors.
Closing the rural digital divide will require a coordinated effort from communities, businesses, policymakers, and individuals.
As a society, we can support initiatives aimed at providing internet access and technology training to rural areas. Volunteering time, donating resources, or advocating for broadband expansion can all make a difference.
Businesses can collaborate with schools and community organizations to offer educational programs and apprenticeships in rural areas, covering a broad range of skills relevant to the digital world.
The federal government should play a key role in supporting rural communities. Congress and the Trump administration should prioritize ensuring that rural areas have access to broadband infrastructure, appropriate digital literacy education, and work with providers to ensure that underserved regions have access to essential services.
Bridging the rural digital divide is not just about fairness; it’s about securing the future of our nation as an innovation leader. With the internet providing a gateway to education, employment, and entrepreneurship, ensuring access across the country and equipping people with the skills to thrive in the digital age are essential steps toward building an inclusive and prosperous society. With focused effort and collaboration, we can bridge the rural gap and build a stronger, more innovative future for all Americans.
