Students in rural areas without reliable access to Internet for rural areas face a unique set of disadvantages. More often than not, they don’t have access to their preferred learning methods (like high-quality videos), which can compromise their ability to learn effectively. Without access, rural communities’ feelings of geographic and societal seclusion may also intensify further.

In light of this, educators are turning to 4G mobile rural Internet service providers such as UbiFi as a vehicle for providing educational materials to students, reducing expenses on traditional classroom items like textbooks and pens while freeing up budget for other uses, like providing students with varied reading materials. UbiFi and other mobile Internet companies can provide Internet access to educational institutions through the clever use of cell towers to transmit Internet signals. Furthermore, technology-centered learning methods also allow teachers to teach different levels simultaneously, which maximizes learning for learners of all backgrounds.

As part of their efforts to bridge this digital divide, many rural residents with students in their households are using devices and hotspots from companies like UbiFi to bridge the digital gap. However, state education agencies and federal relief bills must also make improving rural broadband infrastructure a top priority, so that all rural residents can have access to the best broadband Internet options as well.

Several stories show the potential of Internet-assisted learning in rural areas. Yoder, Colorado, located approximately an hour east of Denver in Edison School District’s rural community, provides students with virtual field trips to NASA, Civil War lessons from Khan Academy videos, and Spanish learning with Rosetta Stone. Kenya also provides access to free lessons offered through Safaricom’s free lessons as part of Project Loon, which has recently released balloons into the skies above central and western Kenya to provide 4G Internet service.