Virginia is one step closer to the deployment of more than $1.48 billion in federal funding to bring broadband access to every Virginian and address the digital equity and inclusion needs throughout the state.
Virginia was the first state in the nation to submit plans to access funding for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative.
Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced its approval for Virginia’s proposal.
“Virginia has a strong plan to get us closer to universal coverage, and this funding will help make that plan a reality,” said Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “I’m proud to have authored and negotiated the law that made this possible, and I’m ready to work to make sure it’s implemented as quickly and efficiently as possible so more Virginians have access to high-speed internet.”
The BEAD program is authorized by President Joe Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law and includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access.
“With the resources we are securing today, we can close the digital divide and ensure all Virginians have access to high-speed internet,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Today’s announcement is a key 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.”
Virginia now has one year to submit a final proposal that will detail how it will ensure service to all unserved locations. Once the final proposal is approved, funds will be released and implementation can get under way.
“Broadband is a necessity for Virginians to access telehealth, online education programs, job opportunities and so much more,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “Boosting access to broadband is key to building on our economic progress.”
Warner and Kaine announced Virginia’s allocation in June 2023.
The Department of Housing and Community Development will administer the Commonwealth’s allocation to build upon the work of the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative. As funding for universal broadband access is being delivered, DHCD will also utilize these funds to invest in efforts promoting affordability and improving adoption of this service.
“Virginia has been a national leader in the broadband arena, and the approved proposal lays out a comprehensive approach to connect all Virginians through state and federal resources,” said Bryan Horn, DHCD director and chief broadband advisor.
“We applaud the collaboration of our broadband partners to develop a strong proposal that addresses both connectivity and affordability.”
Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funds can be used on high-speed Internet adoption, training and workforce development efforts.
Since 2017, Virginia has allocated more than $935 million in state and federal funding to extend broadband infrastructure to 388,000 locations in 80 cities and counties across the state. These investments have leveraged an additional $1.1 billion in matching funds from local governments and internet service providers.
New Mexico’s plan was also approved by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Additional states and allocations will be announced on a rolling basis.
For more information, visit internetforall.gov
For more information about Virginia’s broadband efforts, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/broadband
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Crystal Graham
