1. South Dakota
South Dakota’s wide-open plains and sparse population create big obstacles for broadband coverage. Around 18% of households still lack a home internet connection. Native American reservations are especially underserved, where digital access can be nearly nonexistent.
The state has invested in public-private partnerships to improve access, but many places still rely on outdated systems. In farming communities, digital tools that help track crops or livestock are underutilized. Students and healthcare providers also face challenges without reliable internet. It’s a state where the digital divide hits hard, despite growing efforts to bridge it.
2. West Virginia
West Virginia has long struggled with internet access, especially in its rugged, mountainous regions, according to Eric Spitznagel from The New York Post. The terrain makes it tough for providers to lay broadband infrastructure, and the population is spread out across rural communities. According to recent data, nearly 25% of residents still don’t have access to high-speed internet at home. That means students, workers, and even healthcare providers often have to rely on spotty mobile connections or none at all.
The state government has been trying to improve connectivity through broadband expansion grants, but progress is slow. Many locals still drive to libraries or fast-food restaurants just to get online. For folks trying to work from home or attend virtual school, it’s a serious challenge. The digital divide is real here, and it’s holding back opportunities for thousands of people.
3. Mississippi
Mississippi is another state where internet access is far from guaranteed, particularly in the Delta region, according to Michael Goldberg of AP News. Nearly one in five households in the state still doesn’t have an internet subscription. It’s not just about infrastructure — affordability and digital literacy also play major roles in why people remain offline.
In rural areas, fiber-optic lines are few and far between, and even mobile data can be unreliable. During the pandemic, school buses equipped with Wi-Fi had to be parked in neighborhoods so kids could connect to online classes. While the state has received federal funding to expand broadband, rolling out those improvements takes time. For now, thousands of residents are still living without a dependable connection.
4. Arkansas
In Arkansas, the divide between urban and rural internet access is stark, according to Abel Rodriguez of Latin Times. While cities like Little Rock have decent connectivity, many parts of the Ozarks and the Delta region are still left behind. Over 18% of residents lack a home broadband subscription, making Arkansas one of the least connected states in the country.
Farming communities and remote towns often rely on outdated DSL connections, if they have access at all. Without fast internet, things like telehealth appointments, online learning, and remote work become nearly impossible. The state is investing in broadband expansion, but it’s a gradual process. Until then, many Arkansans are still navigating the digital world at a snail’s pace — or not at all.
5. New Mexico
New Mexico’s wide open spaces are beautiful, but they also present a logistical nightmare for broadband installation, according to Teya Vitu of Las Cruces Sun-News. Around 22% of households here don’t have internet, with the problem particularly acute in Native American communities and rural desert towns. Infrastructure just hasn’t kept pace with need, especially in places far from urban centers.
Some schools in tribal lands had to hand out paper packets during the pandemic because students couldn’t get online. The cost of service is also a barrier — even where access exists, many families can’t afford a monthly plan. The state has made strides with public Wi-Fi hotspots and fiber build-outs, but for many, digital access is still out of reach. It’s a vivid example of how geography and inequality intersect.
6. Montana
Montana is one of the most sparsely populated states in the country, and that means high-speed internet doesn’t reach everyone. In fact, roughly one in five residents still lives without broadband access. The long distances between homes make it expensive to install fiber or even reliable satellite options.
This lack of connectivity impacts ranchers trying to manage agricultural tech, students doing homework, and small businesses wanting to operate online. While government programs are trying to close the gap, many Montanans still rely on dial-up or nothing at all. It’s a tough reality in a state where even cell service can be unpredictable. Until coverage improves, daily life for many remains analog in a digital world.
7. Kentucky
In Kentucky, especially the Appalachian region, broadband access is still inconsistent at best. About 16% of households don’t have internet service, and in some counties that number is even higher. The terrain and low population density make it hard to convince companies to invest in infrastructure.
The state has launched broadband expansion efforts, but the pace has been frustratingly slow. Many families still rely on mobile hotspots — if they can get a signal. Others must travel miles to access a reliable connection. It’s a real barrier to modern education and employment in these communities.
8. Louisiana
Louisiana’s internet gap is especially evident in rural parishes and low-income urban neighborhoods. Around 19% of households in the state don’t have internet access. Some of this stems from infrastructure limitations, but affordability is a major issue too.
Storm damage from hurricanes also regularly disrupts or sets back broadband expansion. For residents trying to rebuild their lives post-disaster, internet service often becomes a luxury. Public libraries and community centers serve as lifelines, but they’re not a substitute for consistent home access. That leaves many Louisianans digitally stranded.
9. Alaska
Alaska faces some of the most unique internet access challenges in the U.S. Due to its remote and rugged geography, broadband infrastructure is both difficult and extremely costly to deploy. Over 20% of households still live without internet service, particularly in indigenous and remote coastal communities.
Satellite internet is often the only option — and it’s expensive and slow. The state is investing in low-Earth orbit satellite technology, but that’s still rolling out. In the meantime, many residents are cut off from the digital services that others take for granted. When it comes to internet access, the Last Frontier often lives up to its name.
10. Arizona
Arizona might surprise some people, but it has deep connectivity issues — especially on tribal lands. About 18% of households don’t have internet, and the Navajo Nation has some of the lowest access rates in the country. Sparse population and rugged terrain make expansion challenging.
During the pandemic, some school districts resorted to mobile hotspots on buses and parking lot Wi-Fi. The state has invested in the Arizona Broadband Initiative, but many rural communities still lag far behind. It’s a stark contrast to cities like Phoenix, where high-speed access is everywhere. That digital divide is a major hurdle for education and economic growth.
11. Maine
Maine’s rocky coastline and dense forests make broadband expansion a tricky endeavor. Roughly 16% of homes still don’t have internet access — a figure that jumps in rural areas like Aroostook County. Even where service is technically available, slow speeds or high costs can keep families offline.
The state is pushing hard with its “ConnectMaine” initiative, and there’s been progress in recent years. Still, small towns and island communities often lag behind. It’s not just about Netflix — it’s about access to telemedicine, education, and remote work. For many Mainers, those opportunities are still just out of reach.
12. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has significant gaps in broadband coverage, especially in rural western counties and Native American lands. About 17% of homes lack internet, and even more have access only to very slow connections. Farming communities and small towns often rely on satellite or DSL, both of which can be unreliable.
The state has created the Oklahoma Broadband Office to coordinate expansion, but it’s a long road ahead. In places where cell towers are few and fiber is nonexistent, residents often go without. That makes it tough to participate in modern life, from job applications to school assignments. The urgency to connect these communities is growing louder.
13. Missouri
Missouri’s digital divide is most visible in the Ozark region and rural northern counties. About 15% of households lack internet access, and some communities still don’t have basic broadband infrastructure. For many families, price is also a barrier — even if access is technically available.
The Missouri Broadband Office has begun offering grants to local ISPs to fill these gaps. Still, progress has been uneven, and many rural residents remain offline. During COVID, some districts resorted to printing homework because kids couldn’t log on. It’s a stark reminder that connectivity isn’t yet a given.
14. Alabama
Alabama has made some progress on broadband in recent years, but about 17% of homes still don’t have internet service. The Black Belt region, in particular, remains poorly connected due to both historical underinvestment and a lack of infrastructure. Students and rural entrepreneurs often find themselves cut off from tools that are standard in other parts of the country.
To bridge the gap, the state launched the Alabama Broadband Map and grant programs to incentivize private companies to extend service. Still, rolling out internet lines across sparsely populated areas is a major hurdle. Many small towns are stuck in digital dead zones. Until that changes, a significant slice of the state will continue living offline.
15. Nebraska
Nebraska’s internet gap is most noticeable in its rural western half. About 16% of residents don’t have home internet, with ranchers and small-town residents particularly affected. Laying fiber across the state’s vast stretches of farmland is expensive and often delayed.
The state has launched broadband improvement grants, but many communities are still waiting. With the rise of remote work and online education, not having a reliable connection puts families at a serious disadvantage. And while cities like Omaha are well-connected, others are still relying on satellite or DSL. Bridging this gap is critical for Nebraska’s future.
