The reason why those places look and operate like third world nations is not due to the lack of broadband.
It’s entirely because of the character of the people who live there.
In part, you have a point.
However, if you can’t use your phone or a computer to conduct business because you don’t have service, you are pretty much stuck. You try it. The hopelessness in these communities where time has been passed them by is palpable. And then they are exploited by Big Pharma to boot.
Former coal-miners were told to “learn to code.” What a joke.
And, no, the federal government is not necessary. In a civilization where Facebook “donated” $400 million to states to underwrite “election procedures” why can’t they “donate” to help access basic services?