Rural Broadband Surfers Catching Up

The use of high-speed Internet is growing fast in rural America, partly closing the gap between country and city, a survey shows.

In 2005, 24% of rural Americans had broadband access at home, more than double the 9% reported in 2003, a survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows. In cities and suburbs, 39% had broadband last year, up from 22% in 2003.

But rural Americans are almost as likely to use the Internet overall. Adding in people who use dial-up or go online only at work, 62% of country dwellers use the Internet, compared with 70% elsewhere.

Rural Internet users are slightly more likely than others to participate in online education and games, but less likely to bank online or buy travel tickets.