Virginia Gov.
Ralph Northam said Friday that thestate plans to direct $700 millionofAmerican Rescue Planfunding toward helping bring broadband to underserved areas within the next three years.
The move is meant to expedite Northam’s 10-year plan to provide internet access for everyone in the state, pushing forward the goal year from 2028 to 2024.
Northam also said Virginia has “successfully bridged half of the digital divide, with an estimated 233,500 unserved locations remaining,” according to a release.
“It’s time to exit the digital divide in our Commonwealth and treat internet service like the 21st century necessity that it is – not just a luxury for some, but an essential utility for all,” Northam said in a statement.
“The pandemic has reinforced how important high-quality broadband is for the health, education, and economic opportunity, and we cannot afford to leave any community behind.”
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The federalAmerican Rescue Plan, a response to theCOVID-19 pandemic, aims to offer relief for American workers and to help with economic recovery, which includes the dissemination ofstimulus payments.
Pandemic lockdowns alsohighlighted how critical closing the digital divide is, as Americans became more reliant on high-speed internet access to complete essential tasks while stuck at home.
Since 2018, Virginia says, it’s awarded around $124 million in broadband grants and connected more than 140,000 homes, businesses and community centers.
It says it’s on track to be one of the first states in the US to achieve universal broadband service.
