Broadband Internet is classified as consistent high-speed data transmission with a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.  “Digital Divide” is a term that refers to a gap between regions that have access to modern information technology and those that don't (or have restricted access).

Broadband Internet is a big issue in Caroline County, Virginia for the purposes of work, school / education (public, private and homeschool), income, self-driven learning / personal research, healthcare (video visits with doctors and therapists), entertainment and news, as well. Numerous studies have shown limited or no access to broadband internet can directly correlate to lower incomes, academic scores, and overall digital skills which are all an integral part of life today.

Currently, only the Interstate 95, Route 1 corridor, and areas near Bowling Green are benefitting from reliable high speed broadband internet.  Areas in Caroline that do not have the luxury of a wired ISP (internet service provider) are currently using alternative methods of internet through cellular devices, high-latency satellites, and snail-paced dial-up or DSL. These users suffer with slow, interrupted, throttled internet, ping and latency that can frequently spike into the thousands of milliseconds, frequent outages, and gatekeeping data caps that limit usage and require users to pay significantly more money for increased data. In a digital world, this makes it tough (if not impossible) for residents in these areas to work from home, access educational resources, healthcare services, or even enjoy leisurely activities on the internet like streaming movies, shows, and watching the news or sports.

Reasons like these are the driving forces behind the Broadband Internet Committee who is working closely with the Board of Supervisors to secure a necessary grant (called VATI) that would expand broadband internet to ALL of the remaining areas of Caroline County.  Grant approval is imperative- plainly stated, Caroline County is not financially able to provide/secure full county coverage internet options without the supplemental funding this grant would provide.  A VATI grant was applied for in late 2021 but was not successful due to unforeseen circumstances.  The reason mentioned is that the proposal did not cover 100% of the county residents.  This required more time for it to be reworked in order to find an ISP that would cover the area west of the Interstate 95 / Route 1 corridor.  These grants are time-sensitive and many other counties are also applying for them.

A new proposal is being submitted to re-apply for a VATI grant again in August 2022 and will cover all the remaining residents in the county.  The hope is that it will get approved this time and work can begin on all of the uncovered areas soon after.

Committee members have stated that community support will help get the grant approved, so as Caroline residents, we need to back this application for the grant and support the Board’s dedication and efforts in a positive manner.  We need to voice how important broadband internet is to our community.  Let’s work together to finally close the Digital Divide in Caroline County!

How can you help?  Start HERE.  If you reside in Caroline County, please sign this petition to show that we can get behind and support this initiative.