Long distances, rugged topography and scattered population centers are among several barriers to providing broadband Internet service to Colorado’s rural areas.
AsThe Denver Post reports, the state’s broadband map shows vast stretches of the state – especially on the Eastern Plains and across the mountains – with slow to no internet service.
The lack of high-speed internet connections impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of schools, hospitals and other technology-driven businesses and can mean the difference between residents staying or leaving.
According to the Colorado Broadband Office, 77 percent of rural households in the state have access to broadband, a share the office would like to see reach 100 percent by 2020.
