CONDE, S.D. (WNAX) – The coronavirus pandemic is highlighting the lack of broadband access in rural America. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke says with social distancing and students needing to go on-line for their education that access is becoming more critical and in some areas of South Dakota it isn’t available at all.

He says most of the broadband access issues are centered on the smaller rural communities.

Sombke says broadband access is also becoming critical for farmers and ranchers trying to do business in a global economic climate.

Sombke says he’s glad Senator John Thune has been working hard on the broadband access issue.