Land-grant universities across the South are addressing the growing demand for digital connectivity in rural areas by leading research-based efforts to expand broadband, strengthen digital skills and connect communities to essential services.
By leveraging Extension networks and agricultural research, these universities are helping rural communities stay connected, competitive and prepared for the future.
The Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics is partnering with 30 libraries in small, rural communities (with populations of 2,500-7,000) across Oklahoma to provide mobile handheld devices that use cellular networks to offer broadband connections for library customers to take home or on the road. These internet hotspots can support up to 10 devices at a time for households lacking a regular internet connection.
PHOTO: Macro Shot with Augmented Reality: IT Administrator Plugs in RJ45 Internet Connector into LAN Router Switch. Cables with Virtual Graphichs Showing Data Transfer. (Photo: iStock – gorodenkoff)
