It’s difficult to do just about anything without some sort of connection to the World Wide Web.

Everything from banking to health care to shopping can be, and often is, done on the Internet. But what about residents of the state — the Federal Communications Commission estimates about 74 percent of people living in rural areas — that don’t have access to broadband services?

It’s an issue that’s been talked about for a while. And while some work has been done to connect rural West Virginia to the Internet, including Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s e-Rate program, there’s still work to do.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has taken up the issue, announcing last week her Capito Connect plan. The three-part plan focuses on understanding the benefits of connectivity, fostering collaboration between government and the private sector and promoting economic growth through innovation.

Through the program, Capito hopes to hear from constituents and use those comments to shape a state-specific plan. She also will work to connect the public with grant money to help companies better establish infrastructure for broadband services in rural areas.

“High-speed Internet access is a pillar of our 21st Century infrastructure and a gateway to economic growth in rural America,” Capito said.

She’s right. For better or worse, our world is more connected now than it ever has been. But for many, that connectivity remains a far off.

For some Internet companies, the costs of connecting rural West Virginia to broadband are just too great. These companies fear once a rural area is connected to broadband, customers won’t sign up, meaning they won’t recoup that money.

The second part of Capito’s plan, connecting the public with federal grant money, could seemingly alleviate some of those concerns.

A sound, reliable broadband infrastructure could mean more business opportunities in rural West Virginia. With that kind of connection, even the smallest companies could find themselves doing robust online business with customers around the world. Schools could use modern technology to teach students who can learn more about the world outside West Virginia. Hospitals, banks and other industries could offer better services.

West Virginians shouldn’t be left out. Connecting even the most rural residents is good for the economy and the individual.