Pete HahnloserThe National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Virginia’s list of more than 133,000 eligible locations set to receive high-speed internet. This is the latest hurdle to be overcome as part of the state’s $1.48 billion allocation from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, aimed at ensuring all Virginians have access to reliable, high-speed and affordable internet.
The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion national initiative aimed at expanding high-speed internet access by supporting planning, infrastructure and programs to make internet services more affordable and widely available. The state’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will use Virginia’s share of BEAD funding to build on work done by the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative. Alongside efforts to provide universal broadband access, DHCD will also use the money for digital-literacy education.
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DHCD is accepting applications for BEAD funding through March 1, and a complete list of eligible locations can be found both online and at the address level on the Virginia Broadband Availability Map.
Virginia was the first state to complete the requirements to access federal BEAD grants.
“DHCD has worked diligently to ensure Virginia maintains its position as a leader in BEAD implementation and places our broadband providers in the best position to continue their work to connect all Virginians,” DHCD Director and Chief Broadband Advisor Bryan Horn said. “This funding will assist in finishing the job to bring high-speed, affordable internet to all parts of Virginia.”
Since 2017, Virginia has directed nearly $1 billion in state and federal funding to expand broadband infrastructure, reaching 402,000 locations in 82 cities and counties. These efforts have been aided by an additional $1.2 billion in matching contributions from local governments and internet service providers.
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