Even though we live in a time where virtual reality is becoming commonplace and people are buying tickets to Mars, it’s hard to believe that there still exists a “digital divide” between rural and urban areas when it comes to internet access. According to the Wall Street Journal, approximately 39 percent of America’s rural population – about 23 million people – do not have access to internet with speeds that can support email, web surfing, or video streaming for more than one device at a time. That’s compared to only 4 percent of urban dwellers who lack fast internet.
Some internet service providers promise the moon to rural internet users, encouraging them to commit to long-term contracts and high fees with the promise of impressive speeds, yet they fail to follow through and deliver. Just recently HughesNet users complained online that the company’s network is struggling to provide advertised speeds of “up to 25 Mbps,” with users sharing in DSL Reports online forums that they’re often relegated to mind-numbingly slow speeds between 384 kbps and 1 Mbps.
Given the fact that rural communities often have no other option, it’s not surprising that this happens. But that doesn’t make it right. Here at Softcom we believe that rural internet customers shouldn’t have to put up with slow DSL or laggy data-capped satellite internet service. As the industry advances, we’re dedicated to upgrading or adding proven technologies so that we (and our customers) can keep pace with those advancements and get the internet service they deserve.
Slow rural internet speeds can often be attributed to carrier’s unwillingness to invest time, money and resources into the equipment and staff necessary for speedier connections. But that’s not the case with us. Expansion and improvement is a constant here at Softcom for everything from technology to pricing to customer service. Today, tomorrow and into the future, we remain focused on our commitment to provide you the best service at the best price for the high-speed internet you deserve – no matter where you live.