The digital divide between rural and urban/suburban areas seems to be slimming down. World Communication Center (WCC), a subsidiary of SatCom Group and a U.S. provider of global satellite voice and data communications, on Monday announced the availability of high-speed Internet service to communities formerly limited to dialup Internet or completely without Web access. This follows the recent announcement by AT&T Inc. that it too intends to extend its broadband reach to rural areas. (see story)
According to a recent report on broadband adoption by PEW Research Center, the number of Americans who have broadband has increased 40 percent from 60 million in March 2005 to 84 million in March 2006. Broadband usage in rural areas, however, still lags significantly behind suburban and urban areas due to lack of DSL or cable infrastructure. Broadband access has not been available in outlying areas more than 25 miles from a town or city. In Arizona, this includes locations outside the Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma metro areas.
“WCC’s satellite broadband solutions are completely scalable from single-user laptop or PC Internet access via a wireless card or adapter, up to 700-plus simultaneous online users via a Strix Systems Wi-Fi mesh networking system with a VSAT satellite,” said WCC president Sam Romey.
SatCom Group www.satcomgroup.com
World Communication Center (WCC) www.wcclp.com
