When in-person school was canceled in March by the pandemic, education switched to online formats. For many rural areas in the state, it was a big challenge, as these areas struggle with low bandwidths or lack of service. Locally-owned telecommunications cooperatives stepped up to the challenge. Many rural co-ops beefed up their bandwidth for customers and often allowed free access for non-customers. Wi-Fi hot spots popped up in parks and school parking lots to serve students who needed internet service.
Rural Reporter