Technology is opening unprecedented levels of information through internet access and that allows people to communicate, learn, work and earn money from anywhere they have an internet connection. For those living in rural communities without broadband or wireless services, that same door of opportunity remains unopened. Getting a signal for a mobile device, for instance, has often meant throwing on a coat and driving into town. Infrastructure makes life easier.
Technology transformation provides access to information that helps solve traditional problems. Technology transformation comes to rural communities through fiber and wireless buildouts. That’s when things begin to improve. Infrastructure and those who are building it are fueling these life opportunities. Simply put, fiber and wireless services transform the lives of rural communities, giving people choices.
How technology transforms rural communities
When technology comes to town, one noticeable benefit is the ability to get a cell signal from the comforts of home. Fiber makes this possible; fiber is the nervous system sending information across the country. Fiber to the Tower (FTTT) and Fiber to the Building (FTTB) literally lay the groundwork for wireless, wi-fi and LTE.
Getting technology capabilities into rural communities levels the playing field. Internet connectivity is the prerequisite to getting much-needed technology and information into the hands of rural residents. Connectivity results in economic development, improved educational services, improved healthcare service and many other community benefits.
Internet supports the rising quality of education
Access to quality education is a key driver of career opportunities. Technology tools equip the classroom with the best learning resources. Teachers need connected laptops to enable video lectures and e-learning. Students are able to follow individualized learning paths to develop their strengths. Students also need internet at home. Without it, students often race through their online work while still at school or aftercare, allowing less time to focus on their lessons. With online courses and national testing materials available, schools no longer need to rely on outdated methods. Fiber-optic providers and WISPs elevate the K-12 educational landscape.
Higher learning institutions, like the University of Missouri, are also embracing technology change. Colleges and universities need bandwidth for a variety of different degree programs. For example, agricultural programs want to show students how to use sensors and monitoring equipment to manage crops, smart water systems, and dairy operations. Connected devices like livestock ear tags and security cameras help future farmers manage herds and improve efficiency. The data these programs capture can be downloaded effortlessly, saving students the hours previously required to manually collect this data. Technology advances the capabilities of colleges and trade schools and provides self-learning opportunities at home.
Internet supports the rising quality of healthcare
Digital connections help provide better treatment for patients at medical facilities in rural areas. High-speed internet allows physicians to search files, consult with specialists, speak to remote patients and improve outcomes. MRI, radiology, health records and speedy contact with insurers helps providers to get proper treatment to patients more quickly. Doctors can use remote diagnostics and alternative healthcare delivery methods to better save lives.
Technology helps the rural communities grow
Quality of life is living where you want without sacrificing the comforts of technology. More people move into rural areas when they can maintain their standard of living. When connectivity is optimal, existing or new businesses can reach the world, attracting high quality, enterprising employees.
With that knowledge, companies are increasingly moving into rural communities with a technology infrastructure, bringing jobs and a path upward for local economies. Infrastructure supports growth. Companies like Amazon go where they have fiber technology and robust wireless, for the business and for the employees who run it.
Technology transformation partnerships are helping WISPs grow
Getting fiber into rural areas allows wireless internet service providers (WISPs) to get boots-on-the-ground to provide local service to consumers. Expansion within a single community, or by adding others, is faster when fiber optic companies work in tandem with WISPs. Having a trusted fiber-optic company to partner with and manage the fiber backbone gives WISPs more opportunity to prioritize where and when to expand operations to customers.
One company cannot do it all. Having a fiber-optic network partner that provides a network foundation in new areas that allows a WISP to focus on building local access and building their own companies, for that matter.
Need help getting the internet distributed?
Bluebird Network specializes in helping WISPs through Strategic Network Partnerships. Bluebird extends fiber-optic networks to as many areas as possible to facilitate speedier deployments for WISP companies. Bluebird has over 6,500 fiber route miles of high-speed broadband and fiber-optic connections. Bluebird can design and install the best fiber route for your rural build out. Form a solid partnership with a company that will support your priorities. Small companies are welcome. For more information, visit our website at bluebirdnetwork.com.
