Cox Communication survey shows rural Americans benefit from high-speed internet access

On Feb. 1, Cox Communications reported that a recent study of previously underserved communities found 86% of consumers say access to recently available high-speed internet has improved their lives.

The data comes from Cox’s Expansion Impact survey, conducted in December 2023, which polled high-speed internet customers in Cox’s new markets that were previously unserved or underserved. The company reports that people living in regions without high-speed internet access face difficulties with economic growth and face challenges accessing resources like education and healthcare.

Cox president Mark Greatrex said in a recent press release, “Our survey shows that a high-speed internet connection brings optimism and economic prosperity to rural communities. By connecting these households, residents are empowered to learn, increase their earning potential, and thrive.”

The survey further revealed that, among other benefits, new access to high-speed internet encourages 70% of respondents 30 years old or younger to stay in their community, improves 62% of respondents’ access to remote work and online jobs, and improves the ability of 87% of lower-income households and 66% of higher-income households to apply for colleges and vocational schools.

In the same press release, a rural community leader said of the new high-speed internet, “Our workforce and economic activities will grow significantly. We believe our people will have easier access to education, be healthier as they can now engage in telehealth, and have faster and easier access to apply for jobs and benefits.”

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