Civil Municipal - June 2024

Americans have traditionally been high-speed internet haves or have-nots. Those with high-speed internet can’t imagine life without it. Those without this service are mostly people in rural areas and unserved regions, who feel the digital disparity. 1 In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, one-fourth of the rural U.S. population does not have access to a broadband connection. 2 Without reliable high-speed internet access, rural regions are hindered in their economic growth and face challenges in obtaining crucial services such as education and healthcare. However, as high-speed internet becomes more widely available, we’re bringing the world within greater reach: elevating the lives and livelihoods of those whose needs were previously unmet. Cox continues its digital equity commitment by connecting underserved communities High-Speed Internet Enriches Lives of Rural Americans Our workforce and economic activities will grow significantly. We believe our people will have easier access to education, be healthier as they can now engage in telehealth, and have faster and easier access to apply for jobs and benefits.” -- County Director of Digital Initiatives High-Speed Internet Brings Economic Optimism Further, according to respondents, high-speed internet will improve: Three-quarters of millennials and Gen Z feel optimistic about their economic and employment future compared to half of Gen X and baby boomers. out-of-office working capabilities for those already doing their jobs remotely 84% access to online jobs and remote work 62% vs. 86 % of consumers with recently available high- speed internet say it has improved their lives.