The extended broadband network will bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.
On Mar. 18, Montgomery County was awarded a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant to improve broadband infrastructure. Montgomery County has partnered with Gigabeam for this project. Montgomery County is adding $140,763 and Gigabeam is also adding $140,763 to the $919,569 VATI grant to extend our broadband network, bringing the total investment to $1,201,095. In addition, Gigabeam has pledged to match $206,540 as in-kind matching funds for resources to include labor and equipment use, design, and fiber connections/routers.
The extended broadband network will bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville. Construction will begin this summer, with anticipated completion by the summer of 2022.
In total, $20.1 million in VATI grants were awarded to 17 localities for 11 projects, connecting more than 13,400 households, businesses, and anchor institutions to high-speed internet, and leveraging $18.8 million in private and local investments.
As more information and broadband project updates become available, they will be shared at www.montva.com/broadband.
Broadband Study
Thompson + Litton and Blue Ridge Advisory Service Group provided an update on the Broadband Assessment in Montgomery County to the Board of Supervisors on May 11, 2020. View the study.