Broadband Resources for West Virginians
Bills being presented to improve broadband services in West Virginia
House Bill 3093
Summary: Establishing Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies
The purpose of this bill is to establish Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Policies. The bill moves the existing Broadband Enhancement Council into a new chapter, and sets forth additional duties and responsibilities for the council. The bill additionally authorizes the establishment of cooperative associations for the purpose of obtaining internet services. It also establishes new policies and protocols for microtrenching and make-ready pole access. Finally, it makes it an unfair and deceptive practice for an internet service provider to advertise or contract for “up to” speeds. Source
Senate BIll 614
Summary: Relating to expansion of broadband service
All relating to the expansion of broadband service to unserved areas of West Virginia by providing loan insurance for commercial loans used for the expansion of broadband service to unserved or underserved areas; establishing limits and conditions on the insuring of loans; establishing interest rates; establishing amortization periods; providing for security interests; setting forth the responsibilities of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments and the Broadband Enhancement Council; providing that the members of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments do not have a fiduciary responsibility with regard to the loans; providing for notice for loan insurance; providing for hearings and appeal; and making technical changes.
Contact your representatives and let them know you support these bills here.
Resources on the importance of broadband expansion in West Virginia
Recent Press on Broadband Expansion in West Virginia:
Scaled-back broadband proposal would build state network piece by piece
Skyping with the doctor: expanding electronic access to medical care
Robert Hinton: WV needs broadband development council
UPDATE: Frontier multi-million dollar settlement over service issues
ISPs Band Together, Fight West Virginia State-Funded Broadband Network
The Register Herald: ‘Middle Mile Bill’ on broadband could become West Virginia’s saving grace
Daily Mail editorial: Reliable Internet could help state’s economy
Charleston Gazette Mail: WV Internet providers targeted over slow speeds
Conference report showing that the Appalachian Regional Commission is allowed to expand broadband and gets $10 million annually for that purpose through 2020. See Section 1436 on pages 313 – 317
Internet Settlement Benefits All West Viriginian’s
AARP Public Policy Institute: A connection for all ages: Enabling the benefits of high-speed internet access for older adults
Other Resources:
Community Network Map

