John Edwards Brings Rural Internet Access to the National Stage
Earlier this week, John Edwards announced a plan to spur development in America's rural areas. The details of his plan show that he understands the major role technology--especially high speed internet--must play in revitalizing the economies in rural America.
A key component of the Edwards proposal is to achieve universal internet access by building high speed internet infrastructure in every corner of the country. Right now, many rural areas are being left behind, missing out on significant economic growth. As his plan states,
Rural households are only about half as likely to have a broadband connection even though digital inclusion is one of the quickest and surest ways to attract businesses. Edwards will establish a national broadband map to identify gaps in availability, price, and speed and require telephone and cable companies not to discriminate against rural communities in building their broadband networks.
Expanding high speed internet access to rural communities will attract businesses, promote growth, and spur innovation. Those are benefits that everyone can enjoy.
But there's much more. Edwards also notes in his proposal the importance of high speed internet access for telemedicine, distance learning, and emergency services. His plan calls for research and investment into implementing these programs in rural areas across the country.
By putting such emphasis on spreading technology and prosperity to rural communities, Edwards is shifting the focus of the presidential campaign to Americans who are often ignored by policymakers. As he says,
So much of the capital in America ends up in the larger cities and urban areas. Speaking for this Democratic presidential candidate, I intend to fight with my heart and soul and everything I’ve got for rural America.
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