DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - Could you go a day without using the internet? Imagine not having the web at your home. It's a reality for hundreds of people in DeSoto County who can't get broadband access.
It's a problem across the state, the governor is even trying to solve it.
"I've had people come in with cancer trying to communicate with their family and they can't get internet," says Kourtney Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth is working with the Mississippi State Extension Service, leading the charge on the governor's new effort to expand broadband in Mississippi.
She says more than 200 DeSoto County residents have requested help with internet access. They live all over the county, primarily in rural areas from Nesbit to Southaven.
"You basically leave the city and go into county areas and that's where broadband is cutting off," she tells abc24.com
"We're all in same boat out here," says Nancy Justice. "When the developer developed the neighborhood he didn't have lay any lines. Phone lines, cable, anything."
Justice lives in Nesbit and subscribes to satellite service, but says it's unreliable.
"We've had to leave home to go to a place that offers free wi-fi to do homework or download or upload a file," she says.
Justice is working with Hollingsworth on an answer. The two put together a petition that everyone in the neighborhood signed.
They're going to present it to companies like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon, hoping they'll see there's a need, and provide a solution.
"It's really mind boggling that at this time we can't get a good internet connection out here," Justice says.
Both women say the internet's no longer a want, but a need.
If you have a problem, call the Mississippi State Extension office at (662) 429-1343
