Rural B.C. Residents Struggle with Unstable Internet Access

Residents in rural British Columbia face significant challenges in accessing stable high-speed internet, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The research, led by Cherisse Seaton and Kathy Rush, highlights the growing disparity in internet access, which has become increasingly critical for everyday activities such as paying bills or accessing healthcare services.

The study reveals that many rural communities lack the necessary infrastructure for reliable internet connectivity. Both researchers have personal ties to rural living—Rush hails from rural New Brunswick and focuses on health equity, while Seaton spent years using dial-up internet outside Prince George and studies population health. They emphasize the urgent need to address the mismatch between residents’ connectivity requirements and the available resources.

Disparities Among Rural Residents

Despite the commonly held view that rural areas are universally disadvantaged compared to urban centers, Seaton and Rush’s findings indicate significant variation within rural regions themselves. Their research shows that older individuals, those residing in more remote locations, and households with fewer devices are particularly vulnerable to lacking high-speed internet access. Surprisingly, these groups often utilize the internet as frequently as their peers with better connectivity.

Seaton noted, “I heard from quite a few participants who were in a location where the larger community had access to high-speed internet, but their specific household community did not.” This highlights the uneven distribution of resources even within closer geographical areas.

Residents employ various strategies to cope with connectivity issues. Some avoid online activities during peak internet traffic times, while others pay for multiple subscriptions as a backup. Despite their ingenuity, many face frustration with the necessity of making such compromises in an increasingly digital world.

The Importance of Digital Access

As society leans more heavily on digital platforms for essential services, the lack of reliable internet access poses a significant barrier for rural residents. Seaton commented on the growing expectation for connectivity, stating, “Participants described this growing expectation for all citizens to be well-connected. Yet for many—those with and without high-speed internet—that wasn’t a reality.”

The assumption that rural residents lack interest or capability in using technology is misguided. The research indicates that these individuals have similar needs and uses for the internet as those in urban areas. “Stereotypes of rural citizens as being left behind, less technologically developed and skilled are really unwarranted,” Seaton remarked.

The implications of inadequate digital access extend beyond personal inconvenience, affecting vital services such as telehealth. Rural residents utilize social media platforms like Facebook to stay informed about local news, weather, and community events. The researchers aim to shed light on the disparities between those with and without high-speed internet access, emphasizing that lack of connectivity should not exclude anyone from essential services.

“There is concern in many places that digital seems to have become the default,” Seaton explained. “Our participants did really highlight growing concern with the lack of backup options, the lack of shrinking public spaces for digital engagement.” The study underscores that no citizen should be marginalized in accessing crucial services like healthcare due to insufficient internet connectivity.

As the conversation about digital access continues, the findings from UBC Okanagan present a pressing call to action for policymakers and stakeholders to address these inequities in rural areas.