Representing a rural Maine district, I cringe every time I hear the phrase “digital divide.” It sounds like a polished, sugar-coated name for something that has decimated rural economies such as mine. People laugh when they hear the sound of dial-up in Hollywood movies; it’s clearly a “classic movie.” In my area, that sound is very real and ever-present for many constituents still living on that last mile.

We have worked for years to revitalize our downtown, invest in our local economy and provide opportunities for our young people to flourish here. Each year, though, it seems there are more people struggling to make ends meet, find work and raise their families in dignity.

More people come to me seeking assistance with their unemployment, food stamps and housing costs. I am not just talking about the working poor, either. I am talking about proud families who have worked hard for years and fallen on economic hardship due to the recession. Or worse, because their jobs up and left, leaving them a pink slip for their scrapbooks.

We don’t ask for much and we don’t have big dreams, but we do all share a hope and a desire for the American Dream.

That dream is drifting further and further away with each passing year.

We have few choices in jobs, but we also have very few choices in Internet and cell phone service. While folks in more urban areas can price shop, we are stuck with whatever company can actually provide service.

Many of the folks who live outside of the downtown area are forced to get their Internet through dial-up. How are we supposed to transition to the global economy on dial-up?

How can my business owners compete on a level playing field when our technology is so far behind urban America, not to mention the rest of the world?

To be clear, I’m not asking for a handout; we would be happy to pay for the service … if there were any.

The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing a project by LightSquared that would bring 4G wireless broadband Internet to communities such as mine — to that last mile.

There is a debate between the GPS industry and LightSquared over the radio spectrum, and that some farmers and fishermen may have issues with their equipment. Precision GPS is important to them and we should protect it.

Broadband Internet is also important and a cornerstone of sustained economic growth. Our delegation should be fighting to protect the precision GPS necessary for our fishermen and farmers to succeed while also paving the way for rural broadband telecommunications.

It is time to move all of America into the 21st Century and finally bridge the gap between communities that have services to choose from and communities that may not have service at all.

Our delegation must do all it can to ensure rural communities such as mine can compete with urban counterparts.

Let’s ensure the American Dream is accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.

Rep. Sheryl Briggs of Mexico represents Maine District 93.