How Rural Internet Helps Farmers and Small Businesses Thrive in 2025
Over the past few years, technology has only grown more essential to how we live, work, and learn—especially in rural America. A key lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic that still holds true today is the importance of reliable, high-speed internet access. Without it, rural residents are often left behind in an increasingly digital economy. This divide is especially felt by America’s farmers and small business owners.
Farming in the Digital Age
Today’s farms run more like high-tech businesses than old-fashioned homesteads. From GPS-guided equipment to cloud-based crop tracking and real-time weather monitoring, reliable internet has become a powerful tool in modern agriculture.
Stevie Scates, owner of Scates Valley Irrigation in Carmi, IL, has seen this transformation firsthand. “I use Wisper Internet for my irrigation business, but my cousins up the road in New Haven use it to monitor our grain bin remotely,” Stevie shared. “I’ve tried satellite, dish, and hot spots—none were as fast or reliable as Wisper. Now I can run Zoom meetings, send aerial maps, order parts online, and communicate with my accountant without any issues.”
Bringing Opportunity to Rural Entrepreneurs
It’s not just farmers who benefit from strong rural internet—local entrepreneurs are seeing huge gains as well.
Terry Wassam, owner of Wassam Farm and Fence in Sedalia, MO, remembers when he started his business seven years ago. “We only had a landline phone. Running a credit card meant tying up the phone line for minutes at a time. It was frustrating.” Everything changed when he connected with Easy Net Wireless, now part of Wisper Internet. “Now, most of our business runs on the internet. From inventory to billing, we depend on a fast, reliable connection.”
Reliable internet has become a requirement, not a luxury, for small businesses. When payment systems lag or go offline, it’s not just inconvenient—it costs money. Every sale matters, and small businesses can’t afford to lose revenue due to poor connectivity.
Peace of Mind on the Farm
Technology is also helping farmers protect their property and simplify their lives.
Michael Rice, a farmer in Green Ridge, MO, uses Wisper Internet for more than just work. “It runs my Ring security system,” he said. “If someone pulls up or walks through a door while I’m out in the field, I get a notification on my phone.” He also uses the internet for parts research, online purchases, and equipment searches. “I’ve found some great deals on tractors and trailers thanks to Wisper’s fast speeds.”
Closing the Digital Divide with Wisper Internet
At Wisper Internet, we know that strong communities start with strong connections. Whether you’re managing a farm, launching a rural business, or simply trying to stay in touch, high-speed internet helps make it possible.
“Farmers are America’s backbone,” said Wisper Founder and CEO, Nathan Stooke. “We’re proud to support the farmers and businesses that keep our rural communities thriving.”
With more than 20,000 subscribers across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, Wisper continues to expand its mission: deliver fast, reliable internet to rural and underserved areas—and help close the digital divide once and for all.
Need Help Getting Connected?
Find out if Wisper Internet is available in your area by visiting wisperisp.com or calling our friendly support team today.
