The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Office of Broadband recently announced the launch of a statewide survey to gather data that will help develop the Virginia Digital Opportunity Plan.

A release said the survey aims to bridge the digital divide among Virginia communities and offer all residents the necessary tools for learning, employment and other essential services.

Conducted by the Southeastern Institute of Research in partnership with Virginia DHCD, the survey aims to understand how residents access and use internet services.

In 2021, the Federal Communications Commission found that 17 percent of rural Americans lacked fixed broadband service at minimum speeds of 25/3 Mbps, compared to 1 percent of urban Americans.

To participate in the online survey, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/digital-opportunity. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Ukrainian. Paper copies of the survey are available through the Virginia DHCD website....