Wired for Rural Well-Being: How Broadband Unlocks Opportunity

Rural communities are the backbone of the country—but when it comes to high-speed internet, they’re often left behind.

That’s why AscendRural released a new position paper, Wired for Rural Well-Being: Three Priorities for Rural Connectivity. This paper explores why broadband is more than a convenience—it’s a “super determinant of health” that shapes economic, educational, and health outcomes across entire communities.

The digital divide between urban and rural areas is not just a technical issue—it’s a structural and social challenge. Whether it’s rocky terrain, sparse population, or outdated infrastructure, rural communities face complex barriers that delay or prevent access to high-quality internet. But without broadband, families and businesses are cut off from the tools and services that are increasingly vital to thrive in today’s economy.

So, where do we go from here?

AscendRural identifies three high-impact areas where broadband investments can deliver meaningful, measurable returns:

1. Telehealth

Accessing healthcare in rural areas often means long drives, lost work hours, and delayed treatment. Telehealth changes that. Reliable internet can connect rural residents to care teams, reduce hospital readmissions, and save families and health systems thousands of dollars in travel and care costs. For older adults or people managing chronic conditions, remote care isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

2. Education

Nearly 10 million students attend rural public schools. But those without internet at home are at a disadvantage. Broadband access supports online learning, improves academic performance, and opens up opportunities for students with disabilities. It’s a foundational tool for equity in education—and for ensuring rural youth have the same shot at success as their urban peers.

3. Local Entrepreneurship

Broadband doesn’t just bring services to rural communities—it helps them build their own. When rural entrepreneurs, especially women and small business owners, have access to high-speed internet, they can expand their markets, streamline operations, and access capital. This creates jobs, strengthens local economies, and keeps talent rooted in rural places.

Connectivity Is Care, Opportunity, and Growth

As the paper highlights, expanding rural broadband is not just a tech upgrade—it’s a public health, education, and economic development strategy rolled into one. Strategic investments in telehealth, education, and entrepreneurship can maximize ROI while advancing well-being in some of the most underserved parts of the country.

It’s time to reframe broadband as infrastructure for well-being. By prioritizing local needs and partnerships, we can ensure that rural communities are wired for more than connection—they’re wired for resilience, prosperity, and health.

Read the full paper: Wired for Rural Well-Being: Three Priorities for Rural Connectivity.