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GWV's Broadband Infrastructure Work

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.

About West Virginia's Broadband Infrastructure

Broadband infrastructure is expensive to build, and its profitability is highly dependent upon the number of subscribers. 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.

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.

Broadband infrastructure is expensive to build, and its profitability is highly dependent upon the number of subscribers. 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

Through the support of foundations and the USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Program, GWV is able to offer wrap-around Technical Assistance for Broadband Infrastructure and adoption projects.

Get in Touch

If you are exploring broadband infrastructure or digital equity projects, we can provide pro bono project development support and technical assistance. If you’re interested, contact GWV Broadband Program Director, Annie Stroud at [email protected] or fill out the Technical Assistance Form below:

Technical Assistance Form

Where do I start?

  • Figure out what is going on in your community!
    Reach out to your local RPDC and/or EDA to find out who works on broadband in your area.  Does your County have a Broadband or a Digital Equity plan?   If you’re not sure where to start, reach out! Our team works closely with the state Regional Planning and Development Councils to coordinate our rapid response Broadband Infrastructure Technical Assistance services and works with partners across the state to advance digital inclusion efforts.
    • Get in touch with your local RPDC and/or EDA: Directory here.
  • Get your data and determine key needs:
    • If you’re looking at infrastructure, Regional Optical Communications, (ROC), project partners since 2020 have produced a statewide study that provides EVERY WV county with preliminary aerial Fiber routing, cost estimates, and targeted address data. This project provides communities and projects with up-to-date data to use for project development for BEAD and other Federal Funds.
    • If you’re exploring digital equity projects, great places to start are the WV Office of Broadband state-level digital equity plan available here, 18 County plans we supported on our Digital Equity page
  • Build your project team!  Look across sectors in your community to build up the right partnerships to bring a project to life. If you need direction or assistance, please feel free to reach out to our team!

2023 statewide

broadband

study REPORT

Currently ranked as one of the two least connected states in the nation, there is much work to be done in West Virginia to close the digital divide. Regional Optical Communications (ROC) took a major step towards making that happen through the completion of a statewide broadband study. ROC worked with Thrasher Group to examine every broadband serviceable address in the state and determine a route to bring fiber to each one. With over 14,800 miles of preliminary fiber routes identified, this study sets the stage for reliable, high-speed internet across the state.
 

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.

VIEW REPORT

What does the process look like?