Bridging the Digital Divide: Your Voice Matters for Rural Internet Access

Internet access is a lifeline in today’s fast-paced world. It’s vital for education, jobs, healthcare, and more. Sadly, many rural communities like ours still struggle with slow, expensive internet. But there’s hope, and we need your help!

The Digital Divide Challenge

The digital divide, the gap between those with good, affordable internet and those without, affects us deeply. Students face online learning challenges, job seekers can’t access remote work, and businesses struggle to grow online. It’s time to change that and boost our quality of life.

Our Initiative for Change

We’re excited to announce a plan to bring high-speed internet to rural areas. But we can’t do it without you. Your experiences and feedback are crucial in shaping our approach. We want to make sure underserved communities get the connectivity they need.

Make Your Voice Heard!

To identify communities in need, we are inviting all residents to participate in a survey by the NC Department of Information Technology’s Division of Broadband and Digital Equity. This survey aims to understand your current internet situation, challenges you face, and your hopes for high-speed internet in our community. Taking this survey is your first step in making affordable high-speed internet accessible to all.

How to Take the Survey

Taking the survey is easy and can be done from the comfort of your home. Simply follow these steps:

1. Visit the NC dedicated survey website.
2. Provide your honest and detailed responses to the questions presented.
3. Submit your survey to let your voice be heard.

Remember, your input is confidential and will be used solely for the purpose of improving internet access in our community.

For Homes & Business without Internet Access

To report locations without internet service, participants can take the survey by phone. Residents without internet service but with phones capable of text messaging can text “internet” to 919-750-0553. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

Can’t Text?

Residents with landlines or cellphones that do not have texting capability may place a voice call to 919-750-0553. An interactive voice response system will guide them through a series of short questions to obtain the caller’s address and register it in the database as having no internet capability at all.

Spread the Word!

Please share this initiative with your friends, family, and neighbors. The more voices we have, the stronger our case. Together, we can bridge the digital gap and ensure everyone has access to affordable high-speed internet.

Stay Informed

To stay updated on the progress of our initiative and other related news, visit Buncombe County’s website and follow us on social media. You may also sign up for email updates at the Buncombe Connect website.

Your voice counts. Together, we can make affordable high-speed internet a reality for all in our community. Let’s bridge the digital gap and create a brighter, more connected future.

Thank you for your participation and support.