Virginia is set to receive nearly $1.5 billion from the federal government to expand access to high-speed internet across the Commonwealth. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved the state’s initial proposal, a crucial part of Virginia’s efforts to help bridge the digital divide. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA administrator Alan Davidson said, “Virginia can now move from planning to action.
This means that the Commonwealth can begin selecting sub-grantees who will build and upgrade these networks and provide that service to everyone in the Commonwealth.
In one year, Virginia must submit a final proposal detailing the results of the sub-grantee selection process and how the state will achieve universal coverage. Governor Glenn Youngkin celebrated the announcement in a news release: “Today’s announcement is a critical step in our efforts to provide high-speed internet access to the remaining unserved regions of the Commonwealth, ensuring all Virginians have the opportunity to prosper.
The funds are expected to reach 160,000 residences, businesses, and public institutions such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and safety organizations currently lacking broadband access. A state map shows significant rural areas without broadband, with about 66% of rural residents and 84% of non-rural Virginians currently having broadband options, according to the state health department’s Rural Health Plan 2022-2026.
Youngkin emphasized that this federal funding will complement state-level efforts to provide high-speed internet access for all Virginians.
Virginia’s broadband expansion funding boost
He highlighted the significant strides his administration has made, with 80,000 new sites, including schools, homes, businesses, and hospitals, connected to high-speed internet in 2023.
Another 100,000 sites are expected to be connected by the end of 2024. Despite these achievements, over 100,000 more sites still need connectivity, a gap the new federal funding aims to bridge. Youngkin stressed the importance of high-speed internet for access to information, education, job opportunities, and healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
He also pointed out that continued broadband expansion has contributed to Virginia’s recent ranking as the best state in the country to do business. Over the next several months, Youngkin’s administration will begin identifying sites for connection and awarding the BEAD funding early next year. Meanwhile, an additional $41 million in Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) grants is allocated to 10 broadband construction projects in 20 localities across the commonwealth.
These efforts are part of a larger push to improve internet access across Virginia and are seen as vital to the state’s future economic and social development.
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