Broadband Signals Silent in Many Neighborhoods
A researcher at the Mississippi State University Southern Rural Development Center has released a study showing one in four Mississippians do not have access to any high speed Internet connections in their communities.
But many in Mississippi -- particularly businesses -- understand the importance of this technology. Carol Hardwick, executive director of the Mississippi Economic Development Council said,
"It's being recognized as being essential in education and business. I know our membership knows it's a need."
Currently there are some efforts underway to bridge the digital divide and expand high speed Internet access to rural Mississippi -- such as the Mississippi Economic Growth Alliance Point of Presence (MEGAPOP). This coalition of businesses, government officials, and university presidents is working on last-mile high speed connections and making progress on getting rural areas connected.
But as the Mississippi State research shows, there's a long way to go before all Mississippians can access crucial high speed Internet connections.
Mississippi State University Southern Rural Development Center
Broadband Penetration at a Crawl in Many Communities (redOrbit)
Mississippi Economic Development Council
Mississippi Economic Growth Alliance Point of Presence
Going the last mile for rural Mississippi (Speed Matters)
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