Federal money is helping a little when it comes to West Virginia’s broadband internet woes, but despite being one of the most improved states in the country on that front, we STILL are the worst connected state in the nation — worse than even Mississippi and Puerto Rico.

That gives some idea of just how far behind we had fallen when it comes to getting Mountain State residents affordable access to the quality broadband internet service that is regarded as a basic utility in most of the rest of the United States. The average for connected households everywhere else is 93.2%. Here, it is 89.4%.

Officials seemed eager to point to the data point showing West Virginia has led the country in internet connectivity growth since 2023, according to U.S. Census data. That’s easier than looking at why we were so disconnected, for so long, that catching up that much still doesn’t have us close to the rest of the pack.

There is plenty of blame to go round, here at home. There’s also the problem of our relationship with the federal government, when it comes to asking for money. Remember, we have proved time and again that they can think of us as slow spenders who are not always good stewards of the money we ask for.

Nevertheless, it is frustrating that, despite having been ahead of the game initially, West Virginia is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration on its application for $625 million in Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment money.

Kelly Workman, director of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development office of broadband, says she is encouraged to learn the NTIA has begun to announce application approvals.

So much for being first in line, it seems.

“We’re optimistic and really happy to see the approvals come forward this week and looking forward to (receiving) that approval soon and then moving into 2026 and implementing BEAD in West Virginia,” Workman said. “Things are rolling right along. We’ve worked very hard to get into a good position to be ready for BEAD, trying to get as many projects funded under (American Rescue Plan Act) to construction. Because we know what’s coming next.”

West Virginians hope Workman is right to be optimistic. But even if the money comes through quickly, the hole in which we remain must spur lawmakers and other public officials to come up with a sustainable, home-grown plan to not only give our citizens the utility they need, but to maintain that access and keep up with advancements in technology.

Mountain State residents are no longer comfortable with being perpetually left behind. (Though the narrative might suggest otherwise, in truth, they never were.)

Ratchet up the pressure on the federal government, come up with a more self-reliant plan here at home, and NEVER believe voters are content with “dead last” being “just the way it is.”