Getting access to high speed internet seems like it should be a given, but tens of thousands of people across the state are stuck without it. That's because many internet providers don't offer service in rural areas but state lawmakers are considering a bill that would help homeowners get up to speed.
It's a problem that's all too familiar at Knob Hill Tavern in DeWitt, where the internet can't keep up with orders.
"It shuts down all the time and we lose our orders," said Owner Julie Watkins.
In rural DeWitt, Watkins knows the connection doesn't get much better, with her options either satellite or mobile broadband.
"We're only allowed to have 12 devices at one time and it shuts it down," she added.
That means free WiFi for her customers is off the table and you can forget downloading or streaming video.
With internet becoming a basic utility, State Rep. Donna Lasinski, (D-Scio Township), is trying to get more areas up to speed. On Wednesday she introduced a bill that would let townships use special assessments to bring high-speed internet where it's not available.
"Special assessment district just allows the folks who need it to pay for installation and other folks aren't burdened with the cost of contributing," Rep. Lasinski explained.
It's a benefit she says will pay off, with property values 20 percent less than what they could be if there was a high speed connection.
"Right now when folks are going to buy a home they don't even ask if it has high speed internet access they just assume that it has broadband access," Rep. Lasinski said. "Small businesses can't grow, kids can't do their homework at home, education theories where you watch the lecture at home and go to school and do the hands-on work, that can't be accomplished when you have a mobile hot spot with a data cap."
