The setting was meant to highlight the importance of high-speed Internet service to rural America, and to emphasize that rural communities shouldn't be deprived of a crucial economic tool. Rural America already lags in access to broadband service at affordable rates, according to a report released Wednesday by the departments of Commerce and Agriculture. If the trend continues, the report said, rural communities will find it harder to attract new businesses. And companies already located in communities without affordable high-speed access won't be able to communicate efficiently with suppliers, customers and other businesses. Whiteville needs to be revitalized,'' said Gov. Jim Hunt, appearing with Clinton.
Price is an obstacle to high-speed Internet access.
Clinton has visited Indian reservations, poor neighborhoods and trade shows in four earlier trips aimed at drawing attention to the ''digital divide'' between affluent and low-income America, and to private and public efforts to ease the problem. Vice President Gore also has been stressing the issue in his presidential campaign. Clinton announced a number of programs to expand high-speed Internet access. Technology for All, a non-profit organization, will provide broadband access for 100 computer learning centers operated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in cities and rural areas. Before he spoke, Clinton discussed Internet access at a roundtable with local business leaders and toured Remote Data Systems, a small local company that manufactures environmental monitoring equipment.