For rural communities, the lack of high-speed internet isn’t just a tech gap — it’s a roadblock to vital services, jobs, and healthcare. This digital divide keeps opportunities out of reach.

Dr. Mary Williams, owner of Urgent & Primary Care of Clarksdale, Mississippi, sees the digital divide’s impact every day as her patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes struggle without reliable internet access for consistent care.

“We’re located in rural Mississippi Delta, and the lack of high-speed internet poses significant challenges for us,” Dr. Williams said. “COVID revealed the need for alternate ways to care for patients and prescribe medications when in-person visits weren’t possible. During this time, broadband became indispensable.”

During the pandemic, temporary restrictions allowed phone consultations, but without reliable video capabilities, Dr. Williams found it difficult to assess conditions that required visual inspection, such as rashes. The lack of broadband made it nearly impossible to conduct thorough examinations remotely, complicating the management of chronic diseases.

“Better internet access would improve the entire community, especially from a healthcare standpoint,” Dr. Williams said. “With reliable internet, people can access telehealth services, get their medications filled on time, and maintain consistent care, particularly for those managing chronic diseases.

The challenges extend beyond the clinic. Limited transportation in rural areas like Clarksdale makes it difficult for patients to travel to specialists in urban centers. However, with broadband, Dr. Williams can facilitate tele-visits with specialists, such as an endocrinologist in Memphis. Some patients visit her office just to see the specialist via video, a service that high-speed internet could provide directly to their homes, saving time and reducing costs.

But the need for broadband isn’t just about healthcare. It’s about equity and access across the board. For communities like Clarksdale, broadband offers the potential to bridge the gap between rural seclusion and global connectivity.

“Everyone deserves access to care, no matter where they live, and that includes access to specialists as well.”

Affordability and awareness also remain challenges. Dr. Williams explains that even if internet service is available, it’s often not affordable for many people. “Providers may offer internet, but if people can’t afford it, they can’t access it,” she said.

Additionally, there’s a need for greater awareness. Many people might have internet but believe it’s the best they can get, even if it’s slow. Dr. Williams highlights the importance of educating residents about what they should expect from their service and how to ensure it meets their needs.

She advocates for a community-driven response, with local businesses, healthcare providers, and trusted community members playing key roles in spreading awareness and educating residents.

“Before providing broadband access, you need to do a community assessment,” Dr. Williams said. “Identify where the service gaps are and understand what the community is supposed to have versus what they currently have. It’s not just about broadband — you need to involve local businesses and community members. Even something as simple as having someone at Walmart talk about internet access could make a difference. It has to be a community-driven effort.”

“Providing internet access means offering the community better healthcare options,” Dr. Williams said. “With connectivity, people can have telehealth visits in emergencies or other situations. This creates a healthier community where people can work, heal, build capacity, and contribute to infrastructure and other improvements.”

For Clarksdale and other rural communities across Mississippi, the future hinges on closing the digital divide.