The challenge for the residents of rural South Dakota is that these services are needed to connect them to the rest of the world for commerce, education, healthcare and information needs.

WHITEHOUSE: Champions of Change Blog

In late 2011, the drinking water for about a dozen residents in the Woodlands, a rural community about 30 miles north of Pittsburgh, began to change.

NPR: Cause Of Off-Color, Fetid Water Eludes Pa. Town

The report said the demand for broadband among deep rural residents was not being met and that many continued to experience variable mobile phone reception.

BBC: Fears over the future of Wales' rural areas

What are the health board's plans for addressing the additional transport pressures on some residents, especially in rural areas?

BBC: Betsi Cadwaladr: Denbighshire concerns at NHS shake-up

This involves contributions from rural residents as well as local governments and, for the first time, the central government.

ECONOMIST: Health care in China

Councillor for Bicker Fen, Aaron Spencer, said residents had worries about disruption to the rural area.

BBC: Offshore wind farm

Officials and residents in the rural Kentucky county said it was common for children to begin shooting guns at a young age.

BBC: Kentucky boy, 5, shot dead sister, 2, with child gun

Residents of a rural housing estate are unhappy with developers for leaving the area like a "building site".

BBC: Dauntsey homes by Flower and Hayes