Powhatan County still faced with uphill battle for broadband

The Powhatan County (VA) Board of Supervisors recently took another in-depth look at the critical problem the county continues to face with lack of broadband access and the difficulties inherent in getting it. The board listened to a special presentation from Dr. Christopher Ali, an assistant professor in the Department of Media Studies for the University of Virginia, where he focuses on rural broadband and public policy. The board organized the meeting as an opportunity for supervisors and citizens to discuss challenges and opportunities related to rural broadband and work to develop realistic plans and goals. Ali gave an overview of a locality’s options regarding internet access, the pros and cons of each, and why gaining access to quality service remains such a challenge for counties like Powhatan. He talked about the ways broadband positively impact a community through economic development, education, health, civic engagement, public safety, and quality of life, and how all of those are negatively affected when broadband is lacking.