West Virginia's broadband plan fails to serve thousands of homes

West Virginia has finalized a $1.2 billion plan to enhance high-speed broadband access across the state, introduced by Governor Patrick Morrisey. However, the plan has significant shortcomings, as it reportedly leaves out approximately 40,000 households, equating to about 100,000 residents based on average household sizes. These households are designated as served under new federal guidelines, which classify them based on minimal broadband-speed delivery capabilities, despite lacking adequate internet access. Many of the excluded households currently rely on fixed wireless internet, which is typically less reliable and slower than fiber-optic services. The reclassification by federal officials has shifted the eligibility criteria and decreased the pool of households that can access federal funds aimed at addressing broadband disparities. Consequently, the decision has implications for West Virginia's broadband development, as nearly a third of households that previously qualified for federal support are no longer eligible. Currently, local providers deliver fixed wireless technology to approximately 6,500 households, offering limited download speeds averaging between 25-50 megabits and upload speeds of 10-25 megabits. These figures contrast starkly with fiber-optic networks that promise faster speeds essential for modern activities such as remote work and online education. The new proposal outlines that a mere 1% of the state's federal broadband funds will be allocated to satellite internet providers like SpaceX’s Starlink, further limiting access. Advocates argue that the challenge of providing reliable broadband service in West Virginia is exacerbated by its geographical features, such as mountains and dense forests, which complicate signal delivery. Overall, while the project aims to extend internet access across the state, critics point out that the approach taken, including funding distribution priorities, raises concerns about equity and effectiveness in serving all West Virginians adequately.