There is No Rural Revival Without Broadband

[applegrove]

There is No Rural Revival Without Broadband

May 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 35 Comments

https://politicalwire.com/2021/05/17/there-is-no-rural-revival-without-broadband/

"SNIP.....


“As a manufacturer of asphalt paving equipment, Weiler is exactly the type of company poised to benefit if the federal government increases spending on roads and bridges,” the New York Times reports.

“But when Patrick Weiler talks about infrastructure, the issue he brings up first has next to nothing to do with his company’s core business. It’s broadband internet service.”

Said Weiler: “How do you get young people to want to move back into these rural areas when they feel like they’re moving back into a time frame of 20 years ago?”

......SNIP"

[BannonsLiver]

1. Perfect.

[applegrove]

2. This is why the GOP wants only a skinny infrastructure plan. They don't

want rural areas to have a good experience with government helping rural lives and livelyhoods.

[Irish_Dem]

4. The also don't want them to be exposed to a national and international community of ideas.

[marble falls]

3. You said it.

[roamer65]

5. They still won't move back.

Why would they? There is nothing exciting to do in rural areas to entice them.

[dsc]

7. actually under work at home

many might well move back. Now, I am more of a culture person, live plays, etc but some people like outdoors, clean air, camping and the like. It is also considerably cheaper to live in rural areas than large cities. I live in a small city about an hour from the largest county in my state. So I can go to a live play, etc when I am in the mood but still don't have to pay a mint.

[roamer65]

8. U will see more retirees move there.

Cheaper living.

[Chainfire]

10. Property may be less expensive,

but groceries and gasoline and power cost the same for us. (or more)

[dsc]

11. yes that is quite true

my power is not significantly or any cheaper and gasoline is on par with the city that is nearest me.

[roamer65]

13. But there one thing that does save money.

Having nothing to spend it on.

I flip between rural and urban MI.

The difference is very stark now.

[applegrove]

12. They've done studies and diversity in rural cities would keep some kids at home.

At least in the rural state cities that are emptying out. Diversity makes anywhere more interesting.

[xmas74]

14. There is an entire movement

Of Millennials and older Z moving to small towns. Many found their jobs could 100% be work from home. Instead of staying in an overpriced metro they're looking at fixer uppers in small towns across the US. The cost of living is cheaper, they get more house for the money and usually find something with more character than the cookie cutter suburbs.

It's beneficial to both sides.

[Wounded Bear]

6. K&R...for truth...nt

[Chainfire]

9. I have to deal with DSL on a rural system that is in poor shape.

When we hear distant thunder, we know our connection is about to be lost. Sometimes we can watch a movie, and sometimes not even in good weather.

[maxsolomon]

15. Maybe Rural Folk should talk to their Qongressional Reps about getting on board

with and Infrastructure Bill, then.