NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia will get nearly $1.5 billion from the federal government to expand access to high-speed internet across the Commonwealth.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the state's initial "Internet for All" proposal. It's part of Virginia's work to help close the digital divide.
"Virginia can now move from planning to action," said Alan Davidson, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA administrator. "It means the Commonwealth can begin the selection of sub-grantees who are going to build and upgrade these networks and provide that service to everybody in the Commonwealth."
One year from now, Virginia must submit a final proposal that details the outcome of the "sub-grantee" selection process, and how the state will ensure universal coverage
Gov. Glenn Youngkin celebrated the announcement, saying in a news release, "Today's announcement is a key step in our efforts to provide high-speed internet access to the remaining unserved regions of the Commonwealth ensuring all Virginians have the opportunity to prosper."