Internet access across America today is characterized by a stark infrastructure gap between rural and urban areas. While urban centers enjoy widespread availability of reliable Internet service, much of rural America has yet to be connected, and of the 24 million Americans living in households that do not have access to a broadband provider, 80 percent of them live in rural areas, according to the latest FCC data. Such disparities in infrastructure directly impact rural citizens and businesses. Access the broadband and high-speed internet can spur the local economy or leave communities behind. In rural communities, students and adults who don’t have access to the internet, don’t have a computer or laptop, or don’t know how to use them for education, work, health or connection are at an impossible disadvantage.

Moore County covers almost 700 square miles with about 49% of the population living in the rural areas of the county outside of any of the eleven incorporated towns. There are about 5,936 households in the county that lack access to the internet

The Broadband issue is multifaceted and complex. Therefore, NC State Extension has compiled some useful information and resources that can be found on the Community Development portal for addressing and closing the digital divide.