According to a press release, the funding will go toward deploying last-mile broadband infrastructure in unserved areas — part of a plan to close the digital divide in three years.
Virginia is one of many states making equitable broadband access efforts a priority, but questions remain on the best method of paying for it. The digital divide has already been closed for half of unserved locations, the release details.
The proposal will fast-track Northam’s previous goal of reaching equitable Internet access by 2028, which was made actionable through the Commonwealth Connect Report.
“The pandemic has reinforced how important high-quality broadband is for the health, education and economic opportunity, and we cannot afford to leave any community behind,” said Northam in the release. “With this historic $700 million investment, universal broadband is now within our reach.”
According to the release, $124 million in broadband grants have already been awarded.
Additionally, the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) received $100 million in total from the administration and the General Assembly in 2020 and 2021. VATI is a public-private partnership offering financial support for broadband expansion efforts.
Earlier this year, Northam signed legislation to make permanent a pilot program that helps in connecting unserved areas by fostering collaboration between localities, electric utilities and Internet service providers. This program was launched in 2019 — prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that would increase the need for connectivity.
