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In the heart of rural Virginia, nestled among rolling hills and serene landscapes, lives the Anderson family. For them, a reliable high-speed internet connection is more than just a convenience; it is a lifeline to the modern world. Yet, despite living in the 21st century, they find themselves trapped in a digital divide, unable to access the opportunities and services that many of us take for granted.
As the head of a statewide broadband association, I have heard countless stories like the Andersons’. These families, who reside in unserved areas, have dreams of easy and affordable access to the internet for education, telehealth, and economic opportunities. While 2028 was supposed to be the year we bridged this digital divide and achieved universal broadband access for all Virginians, the road to progress is now fraught with obstacles, delays and finger pointing, putting it in jeopardy.
Luckily, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring, D-Alexandria has introduced House Bill 800 , which could speed up broadband availability. Sen. David Marsden, D-Fairfax recently introduced a similar bill, Senate Bill 713 in the Senate.