Broadband is another term for bandwidth, or the amount of data that can be sent through a connection to access high-speed Internet. The more bandwidth, the more information a user can send or receive at any given time. Broadband is an integral part of building a 21st century technology infrastructure that supports students, educators, first responders, and businesses.  There are many challenges to delivering high-speed internet to rural communities and there are many solutions and partnerships that have risen to the challenge with innovative ideas, new technology, and creative partnerships.  There's more on the horizon and RGJ plans to work with public and private sector partners to promote business development for small companies that install fiber optic cable.  These small businesses have more than 30 years experience with fiber optic cable installation and would like to be a part of the solution for rural communities. 

Problems and Challenges

Traditional dial-up is one of the only options available to many rural Americans. But it’s slow, really slow. Even modern dial-up modems cannot transfer more than 56 kbps. Older and poorly maintained phone lines strangle these speeds even more.  The U.S is at the forefront of the digital revolution, but it still struggles to provide millions of its citizens access to stable wireless connections. Those who live in remote areas have trouble obtaining fast internet speeds because mobile internet providers are unwilling to build expensive infrastructure in sparse areas. Another limiting factor for those in rural areas is the enormous cost of internet plans. A 2014 report from New America found those who live in U.S. cities pay significantly more for slower internet than people in other countries. The U.S. currently ranks 17th globally for average peak internet speeds at 48.8 megabits per second.

Solutions and Alternatives

North Carolina

North Carolina is adapting to the changing demands of technology by extending Wi-Fi access to classrooms to support digital learning.  Every K – 12 school in the state has high-speed Internet access, and 98% are served by dedicated fiber.  To complete the recommendations of the North Carolina Digital Learning Plan, BIO will develop a plan to provide Internet access to all underserved homes to facilitate student access beyond the schoolhouse.

South Carolina

Quick Stats

• In total there are 109 internet providers in South Carolina.
• There are 459,000 people in South Carolina without access to a wired connection capable of 25mbps download speeds.
• There are 728,000 people in South Carolina that have access to only one wired provider, leaving them no options to switch.
• Another 182,000 people in South Carolina don't have any wired internet providers available where they live.