Technology Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are current issues related to technology in rural communities?
Answer: Lack of access to high-speed Internet connections presents a challenge to the economic development of rural communities. It also hinders the provision of enhanced educational content for K-12 education and adult learning. In addition, although many rural residents have Internet access at work, at school, via public libraries or community centers, home access is still somewhat limited. Cost is the primary reason for slower deployment. Internet providers, cable television companies and access providers may hesitate to expand costly infrastructure and operations in sparsely populated areas because lower population density results in less usage and lowered profits. In addition, fewer rural residents may be able to afford the cost of owning and using personal computers, and as young people migrate out of rural communities, an additional challenge facing rural providers is engaging older residents.
While Internet technology can be accessed anywhere there are phone lines, the cost of doing so for many rural residents may be unaffordable. A lack of competition among providers in rural communities may keep access costs high. Higher fees result from long-distance rates charged by phone companies serving rural areas.
Degree of access is also an important issue in rural communities. The quality of local phone lines, availability of alternative media such as wireless devices, and the level of high-speed broadband technology each influences Internet access. Furthermore, slower investment of local banks and other economic development groups poses a challenge. Broadband provides users with instant access, and enables them to download and upload information and software at a much faster speed. It also allows people to make telephone calls while online, eliminating the need for a second phone line. While some state departments of economic development are effectively addressing this issue, others have yet to do so.
Question: What are the benefits of high speed Internet access for rural communities?
Answer:
High-speed Internet connections benefit rural communities by increasing access to e-commerce, e-government, telemedicine, and distance learning resulting in better jobs, more responsive government, improved health care, greater educational opportunities, and a brighter future for all Americans.
Question: How can tribal communities benefit from expanded access to Internet technology?
Answer:
Because so many reservations are located in remote areas expanded access to the Internet would enable tribes to enhance their workforce development, economic development, and social service delivery efforts. Internet access would allow workers on reservations to receive job training and job referrals via online access, increasing their ability to compete for better jobs. Access to video conferencing would enable service providers to coordinate programs and meet with their clients without having to travel to remote locations. Human services often located in distant locations would be more readily available to families on the reservation through online access.
Question: What funding programs are available for expanded Internet service in rural areas?
Answer:
Both the USDA's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) support programs to help rural communities implement and expand Internet service in their areas. Together they form a partnership responsible for the Broadband Opportunities For Rural America. An online resource for those in rural America looking to bring the benefits of broadband services to their communities. This website makes available the expertise and resources of the FCC and the USDA in a single, easily-accessible location and a user-friendly format. It provides information on the different broadband technologies that can be used to bring broadband to rural America, how to access spectrum necessary for delivery of wireless broadband services, the broadband funding opportunities provided by the USDA and FCC, and instructions on how to locate companies already licensed to provide wireless services in or near specific rural communities, as well as helpful links to other FCC, USDA, and private resources related to encouraging broadband opportunities in rural America.
The Rural Utilities Service also provides loans and grants for financing rural America's telecommunications infrastructure that include broadband and other advanced services. Some specific programs are:
Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee Program is a loan program designed specifically to increase the rate of deployment of technology to small towns in rural areas has enabled RUS to step beyond its traditional definition of rural (towns of 5,000 or less), and fund borrowers serving communities of up to 20,000 inhabitants.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program continues its charge to wire our schools and improve health care delivery in rural America.
Rural Telephone Bank is a traditional infrastructure loan program that provides financing of broadband and other advanced services. Since 1995, every telephone line constructed with RUS financing has been capable of providing broadband service using digital subscriber loop (DSL) technology.
Weather Radio Transmitter Grant program provides funding for weather radio transmitters in rural areas. This has provided early warning systems in rural areas that are saving lives.
Question: What is the FCC's Universal Service program and how does it apply to rural areas?
Answer: The FCC works to ensure that telecommunications services are available to "all the people" of the United States, including low-income consumers and those in rural, insular, and high-cost areas. Universal Service, sometimes called the Universal Service Fund, is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The FCC was mandated in 1996, to promote the availability of quality services at just, reasonable, and affordable rates and increase access to advanced telecommunications services throughout the Nation, and it established the universal service program and its administrator to that end.
In addition, the 1996 Act states that providers of telecommunications services should contribute financially to Federal Universal Service in some equitable and nondiscriminatory manner and there should be specific, predictable, and sufficient Federal and State mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service. There are four universal service programs: the high cost fund; E-rate; rural health care; and the Low Income program, which provides funds to low income households for basic telephone service. See the
Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website for additional information on their programs.
Question: What specific programs of the Universal Service would benefit rural areas?
Answer: The Schools and Libraries Universal Service program, often called E-rate, was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide affordable access to telecommunications services for all eligible schools and libraries, especially those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
The Universal Service Program for Rural Health Care Providers ensures that health care providers serving rural communities pay no more than their urban counterparts for telecommunications services necessary for the provision of health care. Congress mandated in 1996 that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) implement a Universal Service Fund to provide support to telephone companies that serve eligible rural health care providers. Congress also directed the FCC to enhance access to advanced telecommunications and information services for health care providers. The Universal Service Rural Health Care Program is the result of this initiative.
The Universal Service Program for Low-Income Consumers provides discounts on telephone installation and monthly telephone service to qualifying consumers. Telephone service is considered a necessity for daily modern life, yet the cost of activating and maintaining such service may be prohibitively expensive for low-income consumers. Under Congressional mandate, the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Federal Universal Service Fund includes the Low-Income program.
Question: How can rural communities bridge the digital divide?
Answer: For rural communities to remain economically viable they will be required to implement or utilize existing or improved technology for a wide range of electronic information sharing and commerce, that includes Internet learning, institution building, community organization, and economic development. Discussion should begin at the local level with individuals and community organizations, but also with broader levels of government. Local leaders and residents need to fully understand the potential the technology can provide to their communities and be encouraged to take advantage of the technology. State and federal government may bridge the divide through regulation, reform, access, improvement, information gathering, and financial assistance. Rural communities that expand and utilize current operations and capacity for electronic initiatives will be the most effective in overcoming this divide.
Question: What is a community technology center (CTC)?
Answer: A free or low-cost, friendly place (in a community center, school, library, housing facility, or other convenient location) where people of all ages and abilities can come to learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, or develop technology skills.
Credits
Last revised 03/03/2008
