“Recently in southeast Alabama, we lost cell signal and internet service completely for over an hour, starting around 3 pm. Some cell service came back sporadically, so we had some text and call capability, but most everyone in a 30-mile radius did not have internet until around 2 pm the following day. 23 hours with zero internet. 

Our 20-year-old intern couldn’t buy lunch because he didn’t have cash. Many of our interactive exhibits were down, the security system was compromised, gift shop sales computers were not working properly, but most importantly, we couldn’t check on our loved ones. I have a friend who recently had a stroke and lives alone. Her phone wasn’t working at all and her family was worried she might fall and not be able to call for help.

Meanwhile, our Southeast Alabama STEM Leadership Advisor, John Riley, recently spent five days in rural Mongolia, sleeping in a tent with no restroom, no running water, just enjoying “being in the middle of nowhere.” Throughout the trip – no matter how remote he traveled – John was able to stay in close communication back home, where his daughter was undergoing cancer treatment. In the city or the countryside, he never had a dropped call.

Alabamans need better than this – to be able to call home to Alabama from the other side of the world but not be able to sit in your home and call your next-door neighbor. Our modern world requires modern solutions. We need to use every tool in the connectivity toolbox to ensure Alabama communities have the quality internet service they need and deserve.”