Investing in Community Development: How Rural Broadband Unleashes New Opportunities
Businesses with slow or inconsistent internet service are facing an uphill battle. Poor connectivity is relentless, presenting hurdles every day that add up to real costs, real fast.
One out of five people won’t wait more than three seconds for a website to load — they’ll simply leave, according to research by Aberdeen Group. In fact, 42% of IT professionals told Catchpoint that slow internet is just as bad as an outage, as outlined in the company’s Internet Resilience Report 2025. The challenge of poor connectivity disproportionately affects more rural areas, but fiber broadband is helping to bridge those digital divides with fast, reliable, symmetrical internet speeds. Let’s explore how rural broadband drives community development.
1. Supporting E-commerce
Sluggish connections often hinder rural businesses' online competitiveness. Fiber internet provides the speed needed for efficient e-commerce, real-time inventory management and quick transactions, helping small businesses expand their customer reach and boost digital marketing.
2. Unleashing Remote Work Opportunities
High-speed internet makes remote and hybrid work viable options, helping to fight “brain drain” in communities. Not only does robust connectivity give residents more job opportunities where they live, but it also makes an area attractive for people looking to relocate.
3. Fostering Greater Entrepreneurship
Fiber connectivity fosters entrepreneurship by providing access to global markets, cloud computing tools and critical financial resources. Data from the Center on Rural Innovation confirms this, showing that broadband-strong rural counties experience higher business growth, making it easier for innovators to launch and successfully scale new ventures.
4. Enhancing Healthcare and Learning
Reliable connectivity is essential for closing the digital opportunity gap. It supports high-quality telemedicine, improves communication between schools and parents, and ensures equitable online learning for all students.
5. Fueling Economic Development Through Investment
Communities with robust fiber internet show they are ready for digital-age businesses. This infrastructure enhances property values and attracts significant corporate investment. Bridging the gap requires a partner who understands rural needs.
Shentel Business: Connecting Businesses, Strengthening Communities
Shentel Business delivers high-speed connectivity, dedicated internet access, dark fiber, and managed network services tailored to rural needs. With strong local support and scalable solutions, Shentel helps businesses grow, driving economic vitality and improving quality of life across the community.
Read the full blog here.