SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (WNAX) – The digital divide and how to close it was one of the topics of a Senate subcommittee hearing in Sioux Falls last week.

Dakota State University President Jose (joe-say) Marie-Griffiths testified that gap is evident in rural areas of South Dakota.

Marie-Griffiths says there are several components needed to bring rural areas up to speed.

Marie-Griffiths says there is a real economic cost in falling behind.

Senator John Thune chaired the hearing of the Subcommittee on Communication, Technology, Innovation and the Internet.