Nearly one million Texans do not have physical access to broadband at home. Over eighty-nine percent of these disconnected Texans live in rural areas. Broadly, this is a matter of equity and economic participation, both of which bear on overall well-being in our state. This is especially true during this pandemic, where remote work, school, and health have become the norm. Jennifer Harris serves as the state program director for Connected Nation Texas. She also serves on the Governors Broadband Development Council. Wynn Rosser is CEO of the Temple Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing prosperity and well-being for rural deep East Texas. Both join us on this episode to discuss rural broadband and its pivotal role in the future well-being of Texas.

Related links:

Into the Fold Episode 64: Understanding Rural Communities

https://hogg.utexas.edu/podcast-mental-health-rural-communities

Hogg Foundation Awards $4.5 Million to Address Well-being in Rural Texas Communities

https://hogg.utexas.edu/texas-rural-communities

The Rural Church Creating Inclusion Through Education

https://hogg.utexas.edu/gods-way-faith-based-initiative

What is Texas Doing Wrong When it Comes to Rural Mental Health?

https://hogg.utexas.edu/rural-mental-health