LTE – Heather Jerrie – 10-7-2020
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Dear Editor,
For years we in the rural areas have been frustrated by the lack of decent internet service. And in these past months, with all of us thrown into working, learning and socializing more online, it’s made it clear that access to good broadband service is essential for us all.
The lack of strong internet support has made daily life really hard for our family. We’ve had to drive our children into Menomonie every day so they could do their school work online. Watching our online church services is a nightmare of constant pauses every few minutes. We’ve tried to attend meetings on Zoom, but our poor connection makes it impossible. I’d like to apply for jobs where I can work from home, but again, poor internet has shut me out. We’re isolated and left out of the loop.
I know many of you feel the same, and it’s just plain unfair. Did you know that Wisconsin is ranked last in all the Midwest states for both urban and rural broadband access? That only 43% of rural folks have high-speed internet access available to them? We deserve better, but it will only change if we take a stand.
That’s why I urge you to ask your local candidates how they plan to address this issue. Is this part of their platform? Will they get us the funding and support we need so we have the access we need, or will we keep lagging behind? Together, let’s demand to be heard, so we can work, learn and connect with each other wherever we live.
Sincerely,
Heather Jerrie
Wheeler, Wisconsin