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Editorial: The digital divide

One thing that this virus has exposed, and continues to expose, is the digital divide that exists between the haves and have-nots in the world of internet connectivity. That divide is something that those of us who live in more remote, rural areas know all too well.

According to the Federal Communications Commission’s latest figures, more than 20 million Americans continue to lack access to meaningful broadband service, with at least 770,000 Virginians currently unserved.

With students having to do access their work at home during this pandemic, many of their parents also called upon to work remotely and people of all ages needing medical assistance via telehealth, this disparity is not only inconvenient, it represents denial of an essential utility like running water or electricity.

The truth of the matter is almost everyone can get good, fast internet service … if you are willing to shell out the cash to extend a cable line a mile down a road, pay for some expensive satelli...

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