For rural localities, such as Gloucester and Mathews, ensuring access to reliable internet can be the same utility challenge that electricity or sewer was a century ago.

Internet access has become a de facto necessity for social, career and economic participation. Past shallow stereotypes of constantly connected Millennial and Gen Z generations or Baby Boomers flocking to Facebook, access to the internet seriously effects the way people work, earn money and stay informed.

In 2016 roughly 12 percent of all commerce was conducted online, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Additionally, 10 percent of people now work from home and an additional 35 percent say they would work from home at least part of the time if they had the infrastructure to do so. 

It is with these trends in mind that the PamunkeyNet Advisory Committee assembled at Meadow Event Park in Doswell last Wednesday.

The committee, formed several months ago, is a conglomeration of county administrators and s...