Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Virginia has received federal approval for its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. The approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) allows the state to move forward with over $545 million in BEAD awards to 23 internet service providers. These funds will be used to expand broadband infrastructure to more than 133,000 unserved homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across Virginia.
“Since the very beginning of our administration, connecting every Virginia home and business to reliable, high-speed internet has been a top priority,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This approval clears the way for us to keep this promise, with a funded broadband project for every unserved home and business in the Commonwealth. Virginia continues to be a national leader in broadband expansion and will be one of the first states in the nation to reach universal broadband access. We offer a tremendous thank you to Secretary Lutnick and Administrator Roth for their leadership in delivering this critical funding while saving taxpayer dollars.”
The selected awardees are expected to use various technologies and attract nearly $430 million in private investment as part of their efforts. The Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Broadband developed the proposal and will oversee program administration. According to officials, using cost-effective technology alternatives through a streamlined grant application process helped save taxpayers more than $250 million.
“We’re thrilled to announce the approval of Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal,” said NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. “Virginia’s broadband office has shown real leadership—embracing a mix of technologies while working with private partners to deliver nearly a billion dollars in savings. We look forward to seeing universal connectivity become a reality across the Commonwealth.”
“This approval is a critical milestone in Virginia’s broadband expansion efforts. Achieving universal broadband access will foster economic growth, strengthen public safety, and improve access to education and healthcare across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce & Trade Juan Pablo Segura.
“Broadband access is essential for effective participation in the modern economy and society. Virginia’s BEAD Final Proposal is the last piece of the puzzle for bringing high-speed, reliable broadband access to every Virginian,” said Department of Housing & Community Development Director Maggie Beal.
In Prince George County—a locality within Virginia—public schools enrolled 6,181 students during the 2023-24 school year according to data from the Virginia Department of Education. Of these students, Prince George High School had an enrollment of 1,818 students—the highest among seven schools in the county—and North Elementary School welcomed 46 pre-kindergarten students or about 27.7% of all pre-kindergarteners countywide (source). White students made up approximately 44.7% (2,765) while Black students accounted for about 30.4% (1,880) (source). Total enrollment increased by 1.2% compared with last year (source).
More information on awarded projects can be found at dhcd.virginia.gov/bead.
