Consumer Corner
How High-Speed Internet Can Help Spark Community Vitality
Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Most Americans consider high-speed internet an essential household service. Yet in rural America, an estimated 25% of the population doesn’t have access to broadband, limiting their economic growth and access to career opportunities and resources such as education and health care.
Connecting With High-Speed Internet
The connectivity that expanding high-speed internet availability can provide creates opportunities, and some businesses are taking that mission quite seriously. For example, over the past year and a half, Cox Communications has expanded its fiber network to reach more than 55,000 households that were previously unserved or underserved.
Measuring the impact of access to high-speed internet is an important step in expanding availability and solving the digital equity problem. The 2023 Cox Expansion Impact Survey revealed 86% of customers with service for at least one month believe the service has improved their lives.
The survey also revealed three core areas where high-speed internet is changing lives for the better:
Retaining Younger Generations
As many young adults head off to college or leave their hometowns for better job opportunities, they contribute to shrinking rural communities. However, high-speed internet access can allow younger generations to remain in their communities with prospects of remote learning and working. In fact, 70% of survey respondents 30 or younger said they are more likely to stay in their communities if they can access a high-speed connection, and three-quarters of millennials and younger said they’re open to remote working opportunities, which makes staying in their communities possible.
By staying in their communities, rather than moving to urban areas to find employment, young adults are more likely to find affordable housing and less traffic. It also means the younger generation can stay close to the communities where they grew up, where their support network, including family members and friends, are nearby.
Driving Local Economic Prosperity
High-speed internet stimulates economic growth and businesses need it to succeed. When businesses do well and grow, their successes can have a multiplier effect on the local economy as residents have more job opportunities. In fact, the majority (53%) of survey respondents – including 75% of millennials and younger – feel more optimistic about their economic and employment future with the availability of high-speed internet in their communities.
Bridging Income and Education Gaps
For families without high-speed internet access, there are significant educational challenges, such as accessing educational resources available outside of their textbooks or classrooms, especially in lower-income households. Students lacking broadband often encounter difficulties completing homework, falling behind, receiving lower grades and sometimes even failing to graduate – potentially limiting career opportunities and future prosperity.
The majority of lower-income families surveyed (7 in 10) believe high-speed internet will improve their children’s test grades, and almost 90% said it will improve their abilities to apply to colleges or vocational schools after high school graduation. In fact, the survey revealed high-speed internet is twice as likely to improve the education of children in lower-income families than higher-income ones.
To learn more about the impact broadband has on rural communities, visit coxexpansionimpact.com.
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SOURCE:
Cox Communications
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home improvement
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
Energy-Efficient Home: Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isnít just a smart way to lower utility bills, itís also good for the planet.
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
(Family Features) Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isn’t just a smart way to lower utility bills, it’s also good for the planet. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget further or shrink your energy footprint, small upgrades can transform your home into a more efficient, comfortable living space.
While steps like unplugging electronics when not in use and letting natural light in through windows and skylights throughout the day are small habits that can add up over time, these cost-effective ideas can have a more immediate, noticeable impact.
Seal in Comfort
Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents. Tiny leaks or openings can allow warm air to escape or cool outside air to enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and maintain cozy indoor temperatures. Adding extra insulation in your attic or crawl spaces can also lead to a more efficient heating system.
Update Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a simple way to cut down on energy usage. LEDs not only consume a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs but also last longer. To save even more energy, consider pairing them with dimmers or motion sensors, which also add customizable comfort and style.
Replace Outdated Appliances
If your refrigerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer are 10 years old or older, consider investing in an energy-efficient replacement. Modern models are designed to use less water and electricity. Similarly, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make it easier to manage heating schedules automatically and adjust your home’s temperature while out and about.
For more ideas to make your home more efficient year-round, visit eLivingtoday.com.
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2025 KIA TELLURIDE RANKS NUMBER ONE IN ITS SEGMENT IN J.D. POWER 2025 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY (IQS)
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What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.
What Professional Locksmiths Say Homeowners Get Wrong About Security
(Family Features) You have locks on your doors and windows, and you make sure they’re secure before you leave the house or head to bed each night. You may even have a security system with an alarm or cameras to protect your home. Some locksmiths say that may not be enough. Bryan McCabe, director of locksmith operations with KeyMe Locksmiths, the nation’s leading provider of local locksmith services and No. 1 provider of key duplication kiosks, said homeowners should be mindful of common security vulnerabilities, many of which go unnoticed until it’s too late. A thief who wants to gain access to your home may do so by any means possible, including breaking windows or kicking in doors. However, those methods are loud and may attract attention. Instead, thieves will look to find the easiest house to enter. Consider these small changes you can make to deter thieves from your home.Close the Garage
Leaving your garage door open may seem harmless, but it can signal easy access to thieves. An open garage suggests relaxed security habits and can make burglars assume doors or windows might also be unlocked. Keeping it closed is a simple step that instantly makes your home more secure.
Make Your Home Look Lived-In
Burglars often target homes that appear empty. Dark houses – especially after nightfall – can stand out as easy opportunities. Leaving a light or two on helps create the impression someone is home. If you want to level up, use light timers or smart bulbs to automatically turn lights on and off, even when you’re away.
Keep Your Home Visible from the Street
Thieves prefer to work unnoticed. Overgrown trees, tall bushes, or dense landscaping near entrances can provide cover for someone trying to break in. Trimming greenery and maintaining clear sightlines from the street makes your home less appealing and more exposed – exactly what burglars want to avoid.
Upgrade Entry Points to Improve Security
Some relatively minor updates can make a big impact toward protecting your home. Start by assessing all home entry points, including secondary points like sliding doors, garage entries and basement doors. In addition to checking door frames, homeowners should examine strike plates, hinge security and whether existing locks are outdated.
Add Eyes to Your Front Door with a Doorbell Camera
Doorbell cameras are an affordable way to boost your home’s security. Visible cameras can stop many would-be thieves as they don’t want to be seen or recorded. Beyond deterrence, doorbell cameras let you see who’s at your door, receive alerts and check on your home anytime, whether you’re home or away.
Install Smart Locks for Control and Peace of Mind
Smart locks are another smart investment in home safety. They allow you to track who enters your home and when by assigning unique access codes. You can even lock (or unlock) the door remotely from your phone. With the ability to monitor, control and limit access, smart locks offer convenience and security. A local locksmith can help you choose the right option and handle installation, making the upgrade simple and stress-free.
Connecting customers with professional locksmiths in their area, KeyMe Locksmiths provides comprehensive home security and lockout services – from key replacement to lock installation or repair – with more than 7,500 kiosks nationwide. These self-service machines utilize advanced technology for fast, accurate and “one-stop-shop” key copying, including home and office keys, car keys and fobs, mailboxes, padlocks and RFID access cards.
Find more advice to help protect your home and belongings, and a locksmith or kiosk near you, by visiting key.me.
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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