Armstrong To Bring High-Speed Internet To Ten Rural W.Va. Counties

Going over the river and through the woods – not to mention the mountains and valleys – to reach the rural communities of West Virginia with high speed internet has been cost-prohibitive. Until now.  

Armstrong Telecommunication announced Thursday plans to deploy more than 500 miles of high-speed fiber infrastructure thanks to a $100 million federal and state investment supported through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, the Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) Program and the FCC’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model Program. 

“Anyone who has ever built infrastructure across these mountains knows that it could be incredibly challenging,” Armstrong president Jeff Ross said. “And that’s why today’s progress is worth celebrating. Public private partnerships like these are precisely what taxpayers should expect from their tax dollars.” 

On hard for the announcement in Hamlin, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said broadband plays a critical role in strengthening rural communities. She emphasized the impact public-private partnerships have had in bringing broadband internet to more West Virginians. 

“Expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential to ensuring that all West Virginians, regardless of where they live, can access the opportunities that broadband provides. I know how critical this connectivity is, and that is why I’ve used my role in the U.S. Senate to create programs dedicated to providing reliable broadband, and fight for the resources West Virginia needs to make this service possible,” Capito said. “I’m proud of partnerships with providers like Armstrong, who continue to be an important part in our continued effort to close the digital divide and move toward a more connected West Virginia.” 

Gov. Patrick Morrisey said expanding broadband is about making sure all parts of the state can participate in economic growth. 

“Reliable high-speed internet means better access to jobs, new opportunities for small businesses, more options for healthcare and education, and the ability for more West Virginians to live and work in the communities they call home,” he said. 

The expansion will bring new service to more than 5,000 locations including homes and small businesses in ten counties.