With the 2025 regular session of the West Virginia Legislature wrapped up, residents are left reflecting on what lawmakers accomplished — or more precisely, what they didn’t. For all the talk of improving the state’s economy, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, meaningful progress in one of the most vital areas — broadband internet access — still hasn’t materialized.
One failed piece of legislation may offer an unexpected opportunity to reassess what’s truly needed to connect West Virginians: Senate Bill 891. The bill aimed to shift legally required public notices from trusted community newspapers to a state-run website. While its defeat protected transparency and access, it also served as a stark reminder of how many West Virginians still don’t have reliable internet.
Internet Access Gaps in West Virginia Are Holding the State Back
Despite years of promises from state and federal leaders, too many people across the Mountain State still live without access to quality broadband. According to recent studies, about 10% of households in West Virginia have no internet access at all. And roughly 17% report having little or no broadband service.
This is more than an inconvenience. It’s a barrier to modern life — affecting education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation. When government notices or public services are moved online, those without internet access are effectively shut out.
Broadband Inequality Is Deeply Rooted in Income and Age
A 2022 report by the West Virginia Social Survey revealed that internet access in the state is closely tied to household income and education. In short, the more money and education you have, the more likely you are to be connected and confident using the internet.
The digital divide is even wider when age is factored in. Older residents — especially those over 60 — report much lower rates of home internet access. That’s a problem in West Virginia, which was ranked the third-oldest state in the country according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
For these residents, switching from printed public notices to digital-only ones isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a denial of access. That alone is reason enough for the state Senate Finance Committee to have rejected SB 891.
But the underlying issue runs deeper.
Broadband Is Infrastructure — Just Like Water or Electricity
Back in 2017, then-U.S. Senator Joe Manchin compared the challenge of expanding broadband to the campaign for rural electrification in the 1930s. It was an apt comparison. Just as reliable electricity became an essential part of life back then, broadband has become a foundational service today.
People depend on it to work from home, take online classes, pay bills, schedule medical appointments, and even apply for jobs. And yet, too many West Virginians are being left behind in this digital age.
What’s Standing in the Way of Progress?
Part of the problem is a lack of urgency among elected officials. Broadband access has been a campaign talking point for years, yet real, statewide implementation remains sluggish. Funding, planning, and accountability are all needed, but too often fall short.
Local and federal dollars earmarked for broadband infrastructure must be used efficiently and equitably. The state cannot rely solely on large telecommunications companies to solve this issue. Public-private partnerships, rural cooperatives, and community-led efforts may be the key to ensuring every household gets connected.
Legal Notices: A Case Study in the Digital Divide
Senate Bill 891 was pitched as a modernization effort — allowing the state to host legal notices on a central website. But the plan overlooked the real-world access issues faced by many West Virginians. People who don’t have internet access or aren’t familiar with navigating state websites would be left in the dark about vital local information.
Even those with internet access may not know what to search for or how to find these notices. Newspapers still play a crucial role in informing communities, especially in rural areas. The defeat of the bill was a win for transparency, but it also revealed the urgency of closing the digital gap.
It’s Time for Action, Not More Promises
Talk is cheap. West Virginia has heard for years that broadband expansion is just around the corner. But without serious investment, planning, and oversight, the digital divide will continue to grow.
Lawmakers in Charleston and Washington, D.C., need to stop treating broadband like a luxury or a bonus. It’s not. It’s as necessary as running water, electricity, and phone service.
Rural students shouldn’t have to do homework in parking lots with public Wi-Fi. Seniors shouldn’t be unable to access telehealth appointments. And no resident should be cut off from government information because they can’t get online.
Key Points: Why Broadband Access Is a Must for West Virginia
- Connectivity fuels economic growth: Businesses rely on fast internet to thrive and create jobs.
- Online learning is essential: Students need reliable access to stay competitive.
- Telemedicine saves lives: Especially in rural areas, broadband can bridge healthcare gaps.
- Public information matters: Digital-only notices exclude too many citizens.
- Age and income disparities must be addressed: Policy should reflect the needs of all residents.
- Rural infrastructure must be a top priority: Just like roads and power lines, broadband is essential.
Broadband internet access in West Virginia is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Lawmakers must stop delaying and start delivering on the promises they’ve made to their constituents. Reliable, affordable broadband should be available to every household in the state, not just the wealthy or urban ones. West Virginians have waited long enough.
