High Speed Internet Access

High speed internet access is no longer a luxury for rural communities wanting to participate in the knowledge economy. Voters in Timnath, Colorado have voted to offer free wireless internet to all 223 residents. A farming community between Ft. Collins and Windsor, Timnath lies in the path of impending growth that is being seen alll along the I-25 corridor in Colorado. An article in today's Denver Post reports Mayor Donna Benson hopes the free service will create economic growth that will eventually pay for the service.

Residents and businesses in Eads, Colorado, a town of 850 located in southeast Colorado also have access to wireless internet through Plains Network Services. Owner Jeanne Sorenson saw a need for the service and people have responsed. For those unfamiliar with Colorado it's worth noting that Ead's situation is diffenent from Timnath in that it's not in a high growth area.

As more rural communities get wireless access the opportunities increase for rural Americans to participate in the Knowledge Economy. Economic sustainability for many communities will require people with education levels higher than ever before. Rural schools should consider these new opportunities in thinking about their instructional programs.