Virginians of all ages are increasingly living in a digital environment, with more aspects of our daily life moving online. However, too many people are being left behind on the other side of a digital divide due to a lack of access to the internet.
Fortunately, Virginia has a historic opportunity to expand access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to everyone in the Commonwealth, no matter where they live or their circumstances.
Access, however, depends on more than wires, poles and other pieces of infrastructure. It also depends on making sure that internet service is affordable, and that all Virginians have the tools and the skills to use it.
Virginia recently had its digital opportunity plan approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The approval is the first step in unlocking federal funding that can help underserved communities — including older Virginians, veterans, low-income families, tribal communities, people living in rural areas and others — to connect to the internet.
The plan was developed after intense collaboration with stakeholders, partner organizations and public participation. Through that work, the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Broadband found that while Virginia has made significant strides in recent years to close digital gaps, it continues to face numerous challenges, especially in rural areas. They found that high-speed internet options remain too expensive for Virginians most in need. They also found that digital literacy programs and resources are not universally available, telehealth infrastructure is out of reach for many, and widespread concern exists about online privacy and cybersecurity.
AARP Virginia, on behalf of our nearly one million members, applauds the approval of Virginia’s plan to expand high-speed internet access and adoption across the Commonwealth. High-speed internet is not a luxury. It is a necessity for older Virginians. Better connectivity allows them to navigate online government services, participate in virtual medical services, find and maintain employment, meet daily needs, and connect socially. In short, it will improve the quality of life and help adults 50-plus safely age in place.
This plan is Virginia’s blueprint to tear down the digital divide in the Commonwealth. There are several key strategies that have been identified to reduce barriers to internet access. Through implementation, Virginia will pursue efforts to improve overall broadband access, affordability, digital skills, access to devices, and sustain these efforts over time. This is no small task.
While putting this comprehensive plan together is a commendable start, there is still much work ahead of us. AARP Virginia looks forward to supporting the Department of Housing and Community Development and other key stakeholders in successfully implementing this plan. Like other traditionally underserved groups, too many older adults have been left behind for too long.
We must also maintain our focus on ensuring that internet access is affordable. As Virginia’s plan demonstrates, wires alone can’t solve the problem of connectivity, which is why AARP remains committed to the continuation of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides direct support to Virginians to help them afford internet service.
Eligible households can receive a benefit that provides a $30-$75 per month discount on the cost of high-speed internet. For many families, that can cover the entire cost of their service. There are more than 470,000 Virginia households on the Affordable Connectivity Program and over 43% of these are headed by a resident 50 or older.
Right now, the program is at risk of running out of money in May. As Virginia — working in collaboration with regional and local partners — works to close the digital divide, it’s our hope that Congress will maintain this critical program. Older adults in Virginia are counting on action.
Joyce Williams is the state president for AARP Virginia.