Charleston Gazette-Mail seeks public feedback on initial version of West Virginia’s broadband expansion strategy

First Draft of West Virginia’s Broadband Expansion Plan Released for Public Comment

The first draft of West Virginia’s broadband expansion plan has been made available for public comment. The plan aims to address the lack of reliable and affordable internet access in many parts of the state, particularly in rural areas. The release of the draft marks an important step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all West Virginians have access to high-speed internet.

The draft plan, which was released by the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council, outlines a comprehensive strategy to expand broadband infrastructure and improve connectivity across the state. It identifies key areas of focus, including investment in broadband infrastructure, increasing digital literacy and skills, and facilitating public-private partnerships.

One of the primary goals of the plan is to ensure that every West Virginian has access to broadband internet with speeds of at least 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload. Currently, many parts of the state have internet speeds well below these standards, hindering economic development, education, and access to critical services such as healthcare.

To achieve this goal, the plan proposes a multi-faceted approach. It calls for increased funding for broadband infrastructure projects, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas. Additionally, the plan suggests exploring innovative financing models, such as public-private partnerships, to attract private investment and accelerate the deployment of broadband networks.

The draft plan also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and skills training. It highlights the need for educational initiatives to equip West Virginians with the necessary skills to fully utilize broadband internet. This includes providing computer training programs for individuals of all ages and promoting digital inclusion in schools and community centers.

Public input is a crucial component of the planning process, and the release of the draft plan opens the opportunity for feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders. The West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council encourages all interested parties to review the plan and provide their comments and suggestions.

The Council will carefully consider the feedback received during the public comment period and make updates to the plan as necessary. The final version of the West Virginia broadband expansion plan is expected to be released later this year.

Overall, the release of the first draft of West Virginia’s broadband expansion plan represents a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in the state. It demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all West Virginians have access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet, which is crucial for economic growth, education, and overall quality of life.

Original Story at www.wvgazettemail.com – 2023-07-21 19:30:00