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Facts about Technology in Appalachia

The Problem

  • Limited or no access to broadband internet or telecommunication services

  • Lack of infrastructure

  • High rates for computers

  • High cost of installation

  • Low competition

  • Low digital literacy

  • Very little political power

Benefits of Technology

  • Quick response system for customers and employees

    • Grows operation​

  • Increased growth for small companies​

    • Increased growth leads to increased competition which is beneficial to the economy of Appalachia​

  • Fulfilling the need for a large, computer-based information system which is necessary for increasing recreation and retirement centers. Also necessary for improving health care.

  • Increasing productivity and brings growth and knowledge to communities

  • Access to virtual markets, increasing information sharing, and improved health care

  • Increases employment opportunities

  • Increase in wages

  • Ability to become more socially and politically aware of what is going on with the Government

    • Able to do research and vote on things that matter​

Benefits
Fun Facts

  • Small companies in Appalachia invest 1-5% of their annual revenue to improving their technology

  • 83% of companies in Appalachia utilize the computer

  • 83.6% of people have access to broadband internet in distressed Appalachian counties

  • 93.9% of people have access to broadband internet in non-distressed Appalachian counties

  • West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd helped fund "Software Valley" at WVU

    • Develop health care, software, computing, and computerized manufacturing in West Virginia​

Observe the difference!!

Fun
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