To bring high speed internet to rural communities in Bedford County, Virginia, Verizon this month announced it will expand its all-fiber, high-speed broadband services to approximately 349 addresses in the state's Big Island and Wheats Valley areas.
In January, the county's board of supervisors gave its approval for the county administrator to execute a contract with Verizon for the expansion. The 12 month project would bring broadband to these addresses by spring 2024.
As noted by a press release, located in one of Bedford County’s broadband coverage gaps, these locations were not connected during a 2019 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) project, and are not identified for any other publicly funded broadband project.
To bring broadband to residents more quickly, county officials made a proactive choice to finance the project directly with American Rescue Plan funds, versus applying for another VATI grant for these locations.
Kwame Trotman, vice president of wireline network operations-Mid-Atlantic South Region for Verizon, commented:
“Verizon is focused on delivering broadband service, and the economic benefits associated with it, for our customers and employees in Central Virginia. We are pleased to work with Bedford County to achieve our common goal of increasing broadband access for unserved and underserved areas in the State. This project will significantly help to close the digital divide in that region.”
Edgar Tuck, chair of the Bedford County Board of Supervisors, noted:
“The Bedford County Board of Supervisors has a continued commitment to working with multiple partners to bring broadband to all areas of Bedford County. We are very appreciative of Verizon’s commitment to delivering quality service to our residents in this area.”
In an effort to provide connectivity to families in need across the country, Verizon notes that it participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service.
Thomas Walls, director - Virginia State & Local Government Affairs at Verizon, concluded:
“We applaud the Bedford County Board of Supervisors and the County’s professional staff for their leadership in establishing this robust broadband program in Central Virginia. This partnership will expand high-speed broadband access to many residents and will better connect our communities.”
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