PROSPER

Broadband and Fiber. They have changed everything. I think of them like the long ribbons of steel that crisscrossed our American West during the season of the locomotive. Places seen as unreachable were then only one of two days of non-stop speed across the plains.

Work from anywhere

This is the new reality and the standard that small towns with a future understand
This is the new “made in America”

Broadband and fiber have done the same thing in providing new life and access to our world's more rural and remote places. Decades in the making, it was the time of Covid that stripped off the mask and revealed the importance of this utility, the internet, to our everyday lives. It affected schooling, healthcare, shopping, and of course, business. It impacted the wealthy, the poor, middle America, the uneducated, and most significantly, those being educated. It kept us connected when everything else was separating us.

While many things have slipped back to “normal,” the persistence of remote work has continued and seems to be here to stay. According to a survey conducted by Gallup in June 2022, 55% of full-time employees in the US say their job can be done remotely; of those, 50% are working in a hybrid structure where they spend part of their time remotely and in the office or on-site. Only 20% of those that can do their jobs remotely are back in the office full-time. The rise of remote work has shattered the traditional notion that work can only be done within the walls of a corporate office.

Redefining the Options

Even post-pandemic, with the increasing prevalence of cloud-based collaboration tools, video conferencing platforms, and remote access technologies, professionals can now work from anywhere with an internet connection. This newfound flexibility has opened the door for individuals and families to choose places like small towns where they want to set down roots or just work on the move. Places that did not seem feasible a few years ago can now be reconsidered as real contenders for small-town entrepeneurs.

Living in a small town is deeply attractive to many people. Those moving from more congested areas of the country seek a laid-back pace, less stress, and much less traffic or commuting. Anyone who has paid their dues driving interstate commutes for more than a few months will understand the monotonous loss of time. It is understandable why this is often the number one benefit mentioned when we talk to those embracing the remote work option. Reliable access to the internet becomes essential to achieve this relaxed lifestyle.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Broadband connectivity has emerged as a catalyst for change, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Reliable high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity, enabling small towns to compete on a level playing field. With most states and municipalities acknowledging the importance of broadband, we are seeing its expansion and improvement throughout our country. Small-town residents can now access online education, telemedicine services, e-commerce opportunities, and a plethora of digital resources. This connectivity is transforming many small towns into vibrant hubs where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive.

Unfortunately, not all areas and municipalities have the same level of access, and it has an enormous impact on the town’s ability to attract new investment, talent, and new residents. Efforts to bridge the digital divide are ongoing, with federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure to underserved areas. When there is reliable and fast broadband connectivity, small towns become empowered to attract and retain talented individuals who can contribute to local economies and foster growth – and most importantly, remain a part of the community.

Broadband and Fiber

While we use it every day, most of us are hard-pressed to define what broadband is and what “high-speed” actually means. Broadband is the term that describes high-speed internet access and telecommunications services and is usually defined as 25Mbps or faster[1].

The FCC's 2020 Rural Digital Opportunity Fund used a tiered system that considered "high-speed" broadband as 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload or faster. Meanwhile, "gigabit" services offering speeds of 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) or more are increasingly available in some urban and suburban areas, typically delivered over fiber optic connections. Seeing these gigabit speeds and fiber reach our small towns and rural communities is essential for the highest tech users.

However, reliable fast broadband is essential for our youngest and our seniors. Schooling, both homeschooling and students requiring access to resources for homework, is increasingly web-based for all levels and types of education. For seniors, as well as families, access to medical specialists via video and tele-med appointments is essential. Those with mobility restrictions are finding these services invaluable.

Small towns across America have experienced a remarkable resurgence, fueled by this widespread acceptance of remote work and the improving availability of broadband connectivity. It is important to consider the broadband speed and reliability when you begin to evaluate the small town you seek to make a home or even settle in for a season.

Broadbandnow.com is a good resource to get information about internet providers and their reported speeds in an area. It is a good starting point and gives you an idea of what to expect. Talking to the people in town, the Chamber of Commerce, and local internet providers can give you a bit clearer understanding of what you can expect. You can connect to neighbors from afar on local forums and social media groups as well. Since access to broadband is site-specific, it is essential to confirm what is available to your exact address.

Towns that get the “need for speed”

When we look at towns for economic viability and see free WiFI in the downtown market – we know they are serious about welcoming visitors, customers, and new businesses. Watch for this in your search for the perfect place – and follow us here at MoxieTowns as we are watching where high-speed broadband is going and will be next!

[1] https://broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/how-fast-broadband