WCBC

June 8th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, today announced the launch of an initiative to quickly improve and expand broadband access throughout West Virginia. This initiative will involve a comprehensive effort to develop policy proposals and the drafting of any necessary legislation to improve and expand broadband connectivity throughout West Virginia.

 

“The emergence of a global pandemic has provided yet another reason to overcome the digital divide in America,” Senate President Carmichael said. “Rural communities and sparsely populated geographic regions have traditionally been afflicted with sharply reduced broadband options. The COVID-19 virus caused the cancellation of onsite schools, the issuance of stay-at-home orders, shuttered businesses, and forced countless individuals to work from home. These circumstances have highlighted anew the vital need for reliable, fast, affordable broadband internet access throughout West Virginia.”

 

“We know the importance of broadband to the physical, social, and economic health of our citizens. Congress has recognized the importance of addressing the rural disconnect in America. Senator Capito and our entire federal delegation are working hard to secure funding for this goal. The current federal stimulus packages may include opportunities to utilize a sizable portion of these funds for broadband expansion,” Senate President Carmichael continued. “Our state must responsibly utilize every federal dollar that’s available for broadband in a manner that will benefit every West Virginian. However, federal dollars are not the only answer to solving our internet issues. West Virginia must take every step to be innovative and competitive in order to expand and improve broadband. Our goal is to leapfrog every other state and position West Virginia at the forefront of broadband expansion” 

 

“World-class broadband connectivity will provide enhanced economic activity, enable distance learning, facilitate remote medical diagnostics, and improve work-at-home capabilities. West Virginia must be aggressive in attaining ubiquitous broadband access. Achieving this goal will transform our economy and society,” Senate President Carmichael said. “In a post-pandemic world in which West Virginia re-imagines both our short- and long- term future, people throughout America will be attracted to our beautiful state, where we can provide inherent social distancing and superior broadband connectivity.”