Things big companies assume

[corn18]

Why do large companies assume everyone has a smart phone that will do apps, the availability to text and internet?

AT&T took down their tower here, because since 4G is here, its not needed. As a result, around 6000 people in our area now have poor or no service. AT&T really doesn't care, because in their business we are just a drop in their bucket.

Other companies now are making their coupons available only online or have you subscribe to an app.

What about those of us who live in an area where you can not get high speed internet because it is not offered? Or in areas where cell service is not working?? I am sure we are not the only rural area with this problem.

I had one company tell me I could always just move. Well, we (farmers) were here first. We have been here for 100's of years. Then comes a company, gets you to use their services-by traditional advertising, such as newspaper with coupons, then 3 weeks later, you can only access their coupons thru a smart phone app, or print it off of the internet.....

AT&T just took down another tower here. It even effects the ability to call 911. We had to get a fancy satellite internet as it is long distance to call outside of our town of 2400. Phones only work now if we have a microcell off of the internet.

What about the elderly who don't have all this fancy stuff?

To the north of us is a Mennonite and Amish community. They have the same issues. If they have a fire, they have to send someone to the fire department to get help (yes, the Amish do use cell phones).

Why does the modern company feel everyone is up to date with technology?

My daily rant.....And, don't tell me to use the ones at the library....we have no library in our county.

What's your zip code?

[disneysteve]

Cooperatives could fill in where these market failures occur.

How would that work exactly? Can a group of individuals put up a cell phone tower (assuming they could afford to do so) and get AT&T to transmit to that tower?

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

It bothers me to think that rural African farmers can communicate with buyers and sellers by cell (satellite?) phone while some rural US Americans cannot. I really do not want our rural people left behind in the dust.

Almost 80 years ago as part of the New Deal, the US made a huge effort toward rural electrification for the betterment of rural people and society as a whole. Why don't we make a modern effort to supply what has become a near essential utility, reliable phone and internet? It seems to me, a step backward has been taken instead.

There really might be some merit to the idea of technology co-ops. I wonder what could be done to smooth the way for that. Of course, I suspect AT&T et al would put up opposition.

How are the landlines there, Mom-from-Missouri?

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

How would that work exactly? Can a group of individuals put up a cell phone tower (assuming they could afford to do so) and get AT&T to transmit to that tower?

Like a company basically, but owned by the users. AT&T would be bound by carrier laws to transmit to the tower.