Education increases chances for employment. Distance learning increases educational opportunities for rural residents. Rural development these days means broadband and online classes.
Just a few years ago, the U.S. was a leader in the percentage of households with broadband. Now it's a laggard. We have much to learn from other places, especially in connecting broadband in rural communities.
A term from the early days of the telephone may bring communications monopolies or widespread rural broadband service -- or both. Two scholars look at how competing interests have wrangled over "universal service."
Broadband will benefit rural communities. But it has downsides, too. Rural communities should plan now to make this new technology serve their interests.