Colin Demarest

Coronavirus crisis highlights digital divide in South Carolina, state education superintendent says

The novel coronavirus crisis has accentuated the digital divide in South Carolina as well as the need for greater internet access, suggested Molly Spearman, the SC education superintendent.

Coronavirus, closures highlight importance of internet access in Aiken County

As schools are mothballed, businesses close, colleges move wholly behind a computer screen and cocktail hours are increasingly held at a distance and on couches, the need for digital connectivity has seemingly never been greater. The coronavirus pandemic has upended societal norms, pushing countless workers, students and parents-turned-teachers online. The virus outbreak has put internet access at "the top of the list," said State Rep. Bill Taylor, "because broadband, having an internet connection, is now a critical need.

South Carolina Public-Private Partnership Makes Economic Case for Broadband

Access to serviceable Internet is of serious importance in Aiken County (SC) and surrounding areas, said Economic Development Partnership President and CEO Will Williams.  "Many of our areas don't have broadband capabilities because of where they are," Williams said.