Rural areas struggle with remote learning as broadband remains elusive

The public health crisis has exposed New York’s digital divide. Lawmakers representing communities in upstate New York have voiced concerns about the issue for years, fighting to increase access to high-speed internet in rural communities that often struggle to even get a bar of cell service. But despite repeated pledges by state officials to remedy the situation, access to high-speed broadband internet remains elusive in the state’s bucolic areas. “I would say that this current pandemic has really brought to light the challenges facing rural America when it comes to the lack of broadband,” said Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), whose district includes Utica and Binghamton. “These are challenges that many of us have been screaming about for many years, but [now] it seems to be very visible to the public at large.” Local lawmakers say the issues surrounding the digital gap in upstate neighborhoods are multifaceted and complex.