I lived in the "North Country" for roughly 20 years, in New York. It seems every part of a state bordering on Canada is called the North Country.
Now, let me tell you a little bit about it. People are poor, often dirt poor, but still, they need some form of amusement. If they can have internet access, they should have it - sometimes it's their only outlet, and God bless 'em, living in the cold, poverty, and isolation, I don't begrudge anyone the little bit of joy they can glean from this world.
On the other hand, people live in these areas for a reason - freedom from nicey, nicey neighbors who tell you how you have to live, and petty government enforcers like BTK, who want to control your life. Living in areas like this one gives you control of your own destiny, you CAN survive if the lights go out, or the supermarket shelves are empty. You CAN see the stars, and breathe fresh air. You CAN hunt, you can be much freer than any city dweller who isn't a millionaire. Yeah, it can be hard, but a pot of venison stew on the stove while the wind is blowing ice and snow against your window makes it all worthwhile.
If I were back there now, I wouldn't feel poor as long as I had a roof over my head, food for my belly and clothes on my back. Oh, yeah, I would like internet for maybe $25.00 a month. I would be in HEAVEN.