Access to Mobile Broadband Networks Crucial to Rural Communities

New Report Outlines Key Economic, Quality of Life Issues at Stake Across America

Mobile broadband connectivity will allow rural communities to realize the many benefits of the Internet of Things—enabling farmers to further advance precision farming, bringing healthcare advances to rural communities, and empowering local businesses to better compete with their urban counterparts, according to a new white paper titled “Rural America: How Wireless Technologies Could Impact America’s Heartland.”

Published by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and produced by WIA’s Innovation & Technology Council (ITC), the new report provides detailed information on the crucial role access to mobile broadband networks can potentially play in rural communities throughout the United States. The report also explores the role governments can play in promoting the responsible deployment of wireless infrastructure across the country.

Authors of the new white paper include Tom Kane, NB+C; Bernard A. Borghei, Vertical Bridge; Bryan Darr, Mosaik; Ray Hild, JMA Wireless; Keith Kaczmarek, Public Safety Ventures; and Mark Lewellen, John Deere & Company.

The primary goal of the new white paper, according to the authors, is to provoke and invite further actionable thoughts and ideas to cut through the digital divide.

“While advanced wireless networks have a significant impact on all facets of society and business, this report focused on its potential impact on public safety, agriculture, healthcare, the automotive industry and general productivity,” said Jake MacLeod, Chairman of the ITC. “Rural communities should benefit from the same public-safety, social and business technology advances as their urban counterparts. This depends a great deal on access to robust mobile broadband networks.”

Download a complimentary copy of “Rural America: How Wireless Technologies Could Impact America’s Heartland” here.