Internet and Rural Health

Internet and Rural Health

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
The Coronavirus outbreak is emphasizing the need for internet broadband access on the farm. Access to health care websites and medical alerts, internet shopping, are now more vital than ever. The flu outbreak shows the dire need for high-speed internet across the country. 

The Farm Bureau’s Congressional Relations Director RJ Karney says rural America lacks quality internet connections. Furthermore, Karney says the coronavirus outbreak response represents a real-time case study on the need for adequate rural broadband. 

Karney says the coronavirus outbreak response represents a real-time case study on the need for adequate rural broadband. 

“We’re seeing more and more schools begin to shutter their doors and relying on internet access to continue to teach the students. Unfortunately for rural students who do not have access, these are severe limitations for them to continue their education. Farm Bureau remains focused on working with members of Congress and this administration to achieve the needs of rural America when it comes to broadband deployment,” Karney said. 

For farmers and ranchers in rural America, broadband access is now a lifeline more than ever.

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