Having access to fast and reliable internet is something that all Alabamians should enjoy, not just those who live in larger cities. The Alabama Rural Broadband Coalition has formed to take action in expanding broadband internet service to every county of Alabama – including the most rural areas.
High speed broadband access in rural Alabama will bring an array of benefits to education, telemedicine, economic development, and agriculture. It will help communities attract companies and keep successful companies from leaving town. And perhaps most importantly, it will help encourage young people to choose to stay in their hometowns and make a difference.
We believe having a reliable internet connection is a basic need in today’s world. Will you join us in creating a better future for rural Alabama?
“For too long there have been two Americas, one where citizens enjoy access to high-speed internet and one where they do not. Access to high-speed internet shouldn’t be determined by zip code, which is why I have fought to expand internet across rural America in Congress. Working with my colleagues, we have made significant progress in achieving the goal of better connecting rural Americans. There is more work to be done, but we will keep working to bring internet access to rural Alabama and rural America.”
.png)
"The global COVID-19 pandemic is exposing one of many problems in poor rural counties like Perry County – internet access is simply lacking or nonexistent. Over the past few weeks, I have watched the Perry County School System use school buses as wi-fi hot spots scattered throughout the county to help students in these areas access the internet so they can continue their education. Poor internet is limiting the knowledge and quality of life for the citizens in Perry County and all rural counties in the state. Unfortunately, many towns are being left behind in this digital divide."
“When we were faced with the challenge of continued education for our students during the COVID-19 crisis, educational packets were not the first choice educators wanted to use. However, digital learning was not an option because of a lack of broadband, so it was our only equitable option. Due to the poverty level in many of our rural areas, efforts by the state to expand broadband is critical to our students getting the best education possible in the future. If we get rural broadband we are committed as a system to helping make sure our students have the devices they need to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity.”
“We were fortunate to pass much-needed legislation during the last legislative session that allows us to begin tackling the significant need for expanding rural broadband access in our state. The recent changes to our professional and personal lives due to COVID-19 have further highlighted the digital divide in Alabama. It’s time that we provide rural broadband for ALL citizens of our state – regardless of income level, geographic location or any other factor.”
“Strong and reliable broadband is a priority for Covington County and all rural economic developers. Business and industry recruitment is a process of elimination; if they don’t pick you, they eliminate you. If you don’t provide high-speed internet access, they eliminate you. It’s akin to the reason the electric co-ops were formed in the first place – it just wasn’t economically feasible for the big companies to run lines out to very sparsely populated areas of the country. Now we must continue with broadband expansion to ensure critical infrastructure is in place for the economic vitality and quality of life of rural areas.”
Check back soon for more information.
Alabama Poultry & Egg Association
Alabama Cattleman’s Association
Alabama Agribusiness Council
ALFA Farmers Federation
C Spire
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative
Southeast Gas
NFIB of Alabama
Manufacture Alabama
Energy Institute of Alabama
Homebuilders Association of Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives
Alabama Bankers Association
Alabama Association of Realtors
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority
Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association
Alliance for Alabama Infrastructure
Economic Development Association of Alabama
The University of Alabama System
School Superintendents of Alabama
Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools
Auburn University
Alabama Association of School Boards
Alabama Education Association
Alabama Community College System
Disabilities Leadership Coalition of Alabama
Alabama Rural Health Association
Alabama Hospital Association
"Almost every company that you talk to, their number one "must have" is high speed internet. To improve our industry, schools, and opportunities, we need high speed internet."
Rep. Proncey Robertson
"Our people need this for the jobs of the future, and it makes a difference in the lives of the young people we want to stay in our rurals areas and community. We need this, and it's time."
Rep. Terri Collins
.png){kind=small}
