Digital life encroaches on US ‘quiet zone’ refuge

Wallech looks at her mobile phone while connected to a WiFi signal from her property while tending to her gift shop in Green Bank, West Virginia. Wallech loves the digital respite and sense of community in her tiny US town, where cellphone service is effectively barred and some outsiders come in search of that quiet. — Photos: AFP

GREEN BANK, United States: Yvonne Wallech loves the digital respite and sense of community in her tiny US town, where cellphone service is effectively barred and outsiders come seeking the shelter of that quiet.

She has Internet at her property in Green Bank, West Virginia but as soon as she leaves home – and is not on someone else’s connection – there are no pings, dings or rings.