West Virginia is connecting the Appalachian Mountains with over $1 billion in BEAD money and lots of hard work

Tampa, Fla. (December 4, 2024) – West Virginia is charging forward on closing the Digital Divide by ensuring high-speed internet is available to everyone in the Mountain State. In fact, West Virginia’s progress toward implementing the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is surpassing many other states. 

So, how did it get there?

More than a quarter of West Virginians still lack any options for high-speed internet, so the stakes are high. Add to that, residents have many needs that cannot be fulfilled without broadband. Internet access is vital to remote workers and small-town retailers located in the farthest corners of the state. Broadband is also essential for telemedicine expansion, which increases health care access in communities with limited coverage and few hospitals.

“Understanding that a lack of broadband produces a severe hardship for many residents, we brought the same level of intensity to our approach to BEAD,” said Kelly Workman, Director of the West Virginia Office of Broadband. “The goal of universal broadband in West Virginia can’t happen soon enough.”

West Virginia has long been a leader in broadband initiatives. The state has utilized Ookla Speedtest data longer than any other state and was among the first four states in the nation to receive American Rescue Plan Act funding, connecting nearly 40,000 unserved locations through financial reviews, network validation, field inspections, and field verifications.

In terms of BEAD progress, West Virginia has already closed its application cycle for internet service providers (ISPs) and is now in an extension round for any remaining areas. The deadline to submit its Final Proposal is April 18, 2025. West Virginia was among the first states in the nation to receive approval of its Initial Proposal for BEAD, along with Louisiana, Kansas, and Nevada. The state secured $1.21 billion in funding for its broadband infrastructure and deployment initiatives. 

BEAD is the federal government’s most ambitious investment in affordable high-speed internet yet. However, since BEAD mapping is complicated, it has taken a few years to reach implementation. State laws allow ISPs to attach wires on poles, but negotiations with utility companies take time. Ironing out any disagreements can take months or even longer, Workman said.

The Office of Broadband stresses how pole attachments are a barrier to rural broadband expansion, and that ARPA projects have been significantly delayed due to this issue. The Public Service Commission of West Virginia created a task force to consider several specific matters related to pole attachments and issue recommendations.

The $1.21 billion in BEAD funding could be extremely useful in closing West Virginia’s Digital Divide. This money can be used to train ISP workforces, streamline paperwork so networks can get built faster, and update rules to avoid disagreements between companies.

Workman’s best advice for other states to advance their BEAD program initiatives is communication. “Communication with stakeholders at every level is essential,” she said. “Following the federal directives … with the input from residents, business owners, and state and community leaders … has produced the best results.”

About the Author: Kailynn Bannon supports the Connected Nation team by writing blogs, editing videos and podcasts, managing social media, and creating newsletters. Responsibilities also include researching video marketing trends and analyzing website and social media metrics, while enhancing various communications materials like brochures and event invitations.