WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVDN) – Senator Jim Justice released a statement following a report listing West Virginia as the state with the highest increase of internet connected households between 2023-2024:
“Pushing to connect more of our people to the rest of the world is a game changer in every way: Jobs, industry, education – you name it. We face unique challenges in getting connected and online, and there is still work to be done, but the progress we’ve made so far is nothing short of amazing. I worked hard to modernize our state as Governor, and it is great to see that work pay off as more and more West Virginians gain access to the world wide web,” said Senator Jim Justice.
BACKGROUND:
- Data released from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows West Virginia is leading the nation in closing its digital divide.
- The data shows the state achieved the largest percentage point increase in household internet connectivity between 2023 and 2024.
- The study notes that while some states are trailing others, West Virginia is “making steady improvements year over year,” showing the digital divide is closing rapidly.
- In 2021, Senator Justice announced a billion-dollar broadband strategy to expand internet across the state.
