Centuries ago, access to roads determined economic success. Civilizations along trade routes thrived, while those distant from that connection struggled immensely. Today, the roads are digital, and broadband is our new Silk Road. We live in an era where nearly everything–from job applications to even medical appointments–occurs online, but 24 million American still lack fixed broadband access. Despite technology advancing far beyond what humankind could have imagined, the digital divide continues to expand, leaving many behind in a world that increasingly depends on connectivity. 

For many, broadband access is a necessity that is often taken for granted. Once connected at home, work, or school, it provides seamless access to information, services, and communication worldwide. However, those in rural areas struggle to obtain even stable connectivity within their own communities, leading to significant disadvantages. Although broadband access has increased across much of the U.S., the Pew Charitable Trusts says one in four rural Americans still cite it as a major issue in their communities. 

In Virginia, broadband access remains a priority. As of 2025, Virginia ranks 10th among U.S. states in broadband access. According to BroadbandNow, 80.1% of Virginians have access to low-priced wired broadband services. However, in overall connectivity, Virginia ranks 17th, with a rural access ranking of 36th (Dish). Areas such as Southwest Virginia and localities like Petersburg face the greatest challenges. In Petersburg, nearly 25% of households lack access to a computer, and over 33% are without internet access. These shortfalls in broadband connectivity limit residents' ability to utilize essential services, leaving them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital world.

Virginia has taken extensive steps to address these disparities. In 2016, the Virginia Legislature created the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) to support last-mile infrastructure in unserved areas. In 2018, Virginia's broadband expansion program developed the Commonwealth Connect strategy, which includes annual updates tracking the state's broadband progress. That same year, Virginia passed the Grid Transformation and Security Act, incentivizing electric utilities to adopt sustainable technologies and lower consumer costs. Additionally, Virginia tasked its two major investor-owned power providers, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, with assessing the limits of their broadband services and developing legislative solutions. In 2021, Virginia made the Utility Leverage Program permanent, requiring utilities to identify last-mile provider partners (Pew Charitable Trusts).

Virginia has come a long way in the past decade in their mission to increase broadband access to its residents. However, there are still many who lack adequate connectivity, limiting their access to necessities such as telehealth, education, and employment opportunities. As the digital divide continues to grow, it is difficult to see how the lack of broadband can be combated, however with the current efforts presented by Virginia and several other states, there is hope that the gap can be bridged. 

Sources retrieved from Pew Charitable Trusts, BroadbandNow, Dish