Did you know that there is a town in the US where the internet has never arrived? This is their day to day life
In this West Virginia town, extraordinary efforts are taken to reduce radio transmissions, with residents’ use of Wi-Fi, cell phones, and even microwaves.
Located in the Allegheny Mountain Range in West Virginia sits the town of Green Bank, home to a population of 141 and a piece of technology that, for many years, limited access to the internet, cell phones, and even microwaves.
The town hosts the largest steerable radio telescope in the world, which sits within the National Radio Quiet Zone, established in 1958 by the Federal Communications Commission. The telescope was set up to pick up on radio waves in space to identify objects that emit these waves, but that might not be found using a traditional telescope because they do not emit much light.
While in the past, the use of any technologies that could interfere with the telescope was heavily policed, residents say that the situation is laxer today. Wired reported in a recent article on the technological habits of Green Bank’s residents that although they are famous for their lack of connectivity, many people have cell phones and easy access to WiFi. Not only do some of the city’s residents have a cell phone or other radio-emitting device, Stephen Kurczy recalled one instance of a resident who named their WIFI network “Screw you NRAO” in protest.
Investments to connect rural communities in West Virginia
In 2024, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced that the state would be investing $33 million to get the area connected to broadband internet.
Four internet service providers had been selected to construct more than 600 miles of internet infrastructure, which will result in “over 5,200 targeted locations that previously lacked access to reliable broadband services.”
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment
Your opinion will be published with first and last names