In today’s world, internet access isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Whether you're working from home, logging in to a virtual class, managing a business, or scheduling a telehealth appointment, having a solid internet connection is essential. But the truth is, many rural families and businesses are still being left behind.
In fact, according to the FCC’s 2024 Broadband Progress Report, more than 22% of Americans in rural areas still don’t have access to reliable broadband. That’s millions of people without the tools they need to stay connected, competitive, and informed.
What Life Without Broadband Really Looks Like
If you’ve never experienced slow or spotty internet, it’s easy to take it for granted. But here’s what it looks like for folks in underserved rural areas:
- A student trying to complete homework on a weak cellular signal
- A small business struggling to process online orders or reach new customers
- A patient unable to meet with their doctor virtually because the video won’t load
These aren’t rare problems—they’re everyday realities for many rural residents.
- Rural students are twice as likely to face challenges with online learning (Pew Research Center)
- Small businesses lose out on $47 billion annually in potential online sales (USDA, 2023)
- 40% of rural residents don’t have reliable enough internet for telehealth appointments (NRHA, 2022)
It’s About More Than Internet—It’s About Opportunity
Closing the digital gap isn’t just about faster speeds or smoother streaming. It’s about giving people access to opportunity—right where they live.
High-speed internet allows:
- Students to learn and grow without limits
- Farmers to use smart tools and boost productivity
- Job seekers to work remotely and connect with employers
- Families to access health care, connect with loved ones, and build strong communities
When rural communities are connected, everyone benefits—local businesses thrive, economies grow, and families can build better lives.
So, What’s the Hold-Up?
Rolling out fiber internet in rural areas isn’t easy. Between rugged terrain, permitting, and high build-out costs, it can be a challenge. But progress is happening.
Thanks to initiatives like the BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) and growing collaboration between Premier, communities, and local government, more rural areas are getting connected every day.
What Premier Is Doing
At Premier Communications, we’re proud to be part of the solution. We’re actively working to bring fiber internet to rural homes and businesses—places that have been overlooked for far too long.
Our team is out in the field, building future-ready networks designed to support the way people live, work, and connect today—and tomorrow.
Because to us, this is personal. We live and work in these communities too. And we believe that no one should be left behind just because of their ZIP code.
The Bottom Line
The digital divide is real—but it’s not permanent.
Together—with the right tools, the right people, and a commitment to rural communities—we can close the gap for good. Because no student should have to finish homework in a parking lot, and no small business should miss out on growth because their internet can’t keep up.
Everyone deserves a connection they can count on. And Premier is here to make sure they get it.