Broadband
Together we help communities overcome barriers to broadband access and start enacting tangible change in WV.
When it comes to broadband, West Virginia is one of the least-connected states in the nation, and there are more opportunities than ever to leverage federal resources to bring broadband internet to remote, underserved areas.
GWV provides wrap-around technical assistance and support in navigating the process, including grant writing, strategic planning, and partnership development tailored to local needs. We strengthen broadband work that’s happening in communities by filling in capacity gaps and facilitating partnerships across private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Our Work
Digital Equity
Digital Equity ensures that everyone, especially vulnerable populations, can access and fully participate in the digital economy. Digital Equity recognizes that some populations have significant barriers to accessing this resource, and works to identify projects, activities, and resources that will help close the digital divide.
Infrastructure
For states like West Virginia with rugged terrain and low population density, providing service is expensive. These high costs not only mean higher monthly rates for West Virginia consumers but also make it harder for internet companies to provide quality service.
What We Offer
Where do I start?
- #1) Figure out what is going on in your community!
Reach out to your local RPDC and/or EDA to find out who is working on broadband in your area.
Our team works closely with the state Regional Planning and Development Councils to coordinate our rapid response Technical Assistance services. - #2 Get your data and determine key needs:
Regional Optical Communications, (ROC), project partners since 2020 is in the process of finalizing a statewide study that provides EVERY WV county with preliminary aerial Fiber routing, cost estimates, and targeted address data. The ROC study results are being disseminated Summer/Fall 2023 with the final report available October 2023. This project provides communities and projects with up-to-date data to use for project development for BEAD and other Federal Funds. - Get in touch with your local RPDC and/or EDA : Directory here: https://www.wvregionalcouncils.com/
- RPDC works with Generation WV to build project team and determine key needs.
What does the process look like?
Our Impact
2023 statewide
broadband
study REPORT
Generation West Virginia is proud to be a part of this initiative, working towards closing the digital divide. Find your county maps and the full study here.
State Broadband News
WV Allocated 1.2 Billion Dollars in Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding. Funds are provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Learn more here.
Check the WV Office of Broadband for up-to-date news, data, and grant resources from the WV State Broadband Office https://broadband.wv.gov/
Partners and Collaborators
Our work is made possible by the partnerships and collaborations that help move broadband access forward in West Virginia.
