Broadband- and fiber- are the backbone of connection. Leaders hope one plan will bring better internet to rural Alabama, and communities statewide.

"I'm just saying- in a major way, we need help right now," said Marcus Campbell, chairman of the Sumter County Commission.

Campbell said connectivity can be complicated for some rural communities. That's because a lack of strong internet leads to a strain when it comes to healthcare, and education. "Different pockets of the county- my phone, or my tablet, or whatever mobile device- it might say S.O.S.," said Campbell. "And any time you deal with that, that's a major problem."

That S.O.S. is why the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is submitting their plan for broadband expansion to the federal government. It provides for

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