Rural communities are becoming more dependent on broadband access for getting the best in health care. That's why the FCC needs to open up new spectrum now.

Nothing like competition and cash prizes to get businesses people fired up. In rural Vermont, contests for the best new business applications on the web -- plus training and mentoring -- are improving scores of local companies.

Spurred by an insult, led by a strong mayor and grounded in volunteerism, Scottsburg, Indiana, has replenished itself as both a community and a regional economic force.

Are extension of broadband Internet and e-commerce drying up local sales tax revenues? A new study in Oklahoma says no -- at least at this point.