CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Federal Communications Commission will provide millions of dollars over the next decade for expanding broadband internet in rural states, including West Virginia.
The FCC announced Monday it has authorized spending $121 million in 16 states, including $6.5 million in West Virginia, as part of the next wave of support from its Connect America Fund Phase II auction.
Citynet West Virginia will use the funding to provide services to 898 homes and businesses in the state. The minimum download speed will be 1 gigabit per second while the minimum upload speed will be 500 megabits per second.
“As we continue to authorize funds to expand broadband in rural America, I am excited to see the benefits for rural residents who live all across the country, from Tribal lands in Wyoming to mountain communities in Appalachia, from the Great Plains to the Pacific Northwest, and from the Texas Panhandle to northern Minnesota,” FCC chairman Ajit Pai said in a press release.
“This round of funding is yet another step toward closing the digital divide, providing access to digital opportunity to over 36,000 more unserved rural homes and businesses.”
U.S. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va., tweeted $1.2 million will go toward expanding services in Taylor County.