Study: More than 30% of Rural Households Struggle with Internet Insecurity

Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us Tuesday to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America.

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — A recent report from Connected Nation finds that roughly one-third (30.6 percent) of rural American households are facing “internet insecurity,” underscoring how limited connectivity remains a significant barrier to opportunity in many parts of the country.

Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America. In an interview with RFD-TV News, McGovern outlined the methodology and background of the study, explaining how “internet insecurity” is defined and measured—and which areas are most affected.

McGovern said some of the findings, while troubling, were not very surprising, given the longstanding challenges of extending broadband to remote regions. He also emphasized the risks that rural communities face without stable, high-speed internet, including weakened economic development, reduced access to telehealth services, educational disruptions, and decreased competitiveness in an increasingly digital world.

McGovern urged states and localities to prioritize sustainable broadband infrastructure, regulatory support, public-private partnerships, and funding mechanisms that ensure lasting access—not just short-term fixes.

For more information on Connected Nation’s study, click here.

Related Stories
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
U.S. Farmers Face Shifting Harvest Pace, Basis, and Input Costs
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
The FAA’s proposed rule to allow drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) could soon revolutionize how farmers and ranchers manage their land.
Tidal Grow Agri-Science joins us to celebrate Global Fertilizer Day, sharing how innovation continues to drive American agriculture forward.