Approval provides access to Virginia’s $1.48 billion BEAD allocation to close the digital divide Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today the release of the federally approved Virginia Initial Proposal Volume 2 that will enable Virginia to access its allocation of $1.48 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. This approval puts the Commonwealth firmly on the path toward accessing funding for administration of the BEAD program to support Virginia’s goal to close the digital divide and deploy high-speed, affordable internet networks to areas without broadband. Virginia was the first state in the nation to submit all required BEAD plans to access funding.  “Virginia’s historic investment in broadband infrastructure is one key ingredient which helped drive our ranking as America’s top state to do business in 2024. With the resources we are securing today, we can close the digital divide and ensure all Virginians have access to high-speed internet,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “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.”  The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion nationwide program to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, affordability and adoption programs. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will administer the Commonwealth’s $1.48 billion BEAD allocation to build upon the work of the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI). As funding for universal broadband access is being delivered, DHCD will also utilize these funds to invest in efforts promoting affordability and improving adoption of this critical service.    “In today’s digital world, broadband is critical infrastructure that is necessary for Virginians and Virginia business to thrive,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “This approved proposal lays out our strategy to connect all across the Commonwealth and ensure no Virginian is left behind.”    The next step in the BEAD program involves finalizing and ensuring all locations lacking access to high-speed internet and not part of any existing state or federal deployment projects are included in the program. Following the approval of locations by NTIA, Virginia will initiate the application phase later this year. During this phase, broadband providers will have the opportunity to submit applications to extend their services to these unconnected regions.    “Virginia has been a national leader in the broadband arena, and the approved proposal lays out a comprehensive approach to connect all Virginians through state and federal resources,” said DHCD Director and Chief Broadband Advisor Bryan Horn. "We applaud the collaboration of our broadband partners to develop a strong proposal that addresses both connectivity and affordability.”    Since 2017, Virginia has allocated over $935 million in state and federal funding to extend broadband infrastructure to over 388,000 locations in 80 cities and counties across the Commonwealth. These investments have leveraged an additional $1.1 billion in matching funds from local governments and internet service providers.    For more information about Virginia’s broadband efforts, visit dhcd.virginia.gov/broadband.

Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced more than $41 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) for 10 broadband construction projects serving 20 localities throughout Virginia. The VATI program provides targeted funding to extend service to areas that are presently unserved by any broadband provider.   “Virginia continues to be a national leader for closing the digital divide, and today’s announcement brings us one step closer to becoming the first state in the nation to reach statewide universal broadband coverage,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “In our increasingly digital world, having access to high-speed broadband isn’t a luxury; it’s a prerequisite to participate in daily life.”   The goal of VATI is to create strong, competitive communities throughout the Commonwealth by preparing those communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure. This year’s funding leverages more than $75.7 million additional funding from local governments and internet service providers.  “Virginia is at the forefront in the nation to reach statewide universal broadband coverage and crafting effective strategies to bridge the digital divide,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Closing the digital divide is paramount to growing Virginia’s economy, supporting underserved communities, and ensuring that all Virginians have the resources they need to thrive.”    The Department of Housing and Community Development administers the VATI program, which provides targeted financial assistance to extend broadband service to areas that are currently unserved by a provider. Projects were selected through a competitive process that evaluated each project for demonstrated need and benefit for the community, applicant readiness and capacity, and the cost and leverage of the proposed project. The level of funding awarded is based on the infrastructure needs in the project area.   “Broadband is as critical today as electricity was in the last century, and the Youngkin Administration is committed to ensuring that no communities are at risk of being left behind,” said Chief Broadband Advisor and Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Director Bryan Horn. “Once we achieve universal broadband, we will be able to focus our efforts and funding on promoting digital literacy and affordability in regard to access."     In this application round, DHCD received 25 applications requesting more than $170 million in VATI funding. Since 2017, Virginia has invested more than $850.3 million to connect over 388,000 homes, businesses and community anchors within 80 localities. Additional information on VATI is available here.