Manchin, Capito Announce $8.5 Million To Expand Broadband Across West Virginia

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced West Virginia service provider Prodigi will receive $8,583,001 over the next decade from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to expand broadband across West Virginia. Prodigi is expected to provide broadband service to 4,771 locations across the Mountain State.

 

“Reliable, affordable broadband access is necessary to compete for jobs, complete homework, attract new business and attend healthcare appointments, but for many West Virginians that access is still not a reality,” said Senator Manchin. “Prodigi has received an $8.5 million subsidy for to provide service to thousands of locations in West Virginia. This is a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done to close the digital divide. For far too long, the FCC has distributed RDOF funds based on incorrect broadband maps, leaving many West Virginians without adequate service. That is why I successfully fought to include my formula to tie broadband funding to updated, accurate maps in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill that President Biden recently signed into law. I also submitted over 2,400 speed tests on behalf of West Virginians as part of the FCC’s ongoing efforts to update the coverage maps. As we work to get service for every West Virginian, I won’t stop fighting to help every corner of West Virginia get reliable broadband access.”

 

“When I originally advocated for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, I was hopeful that funding would be allocated to internet providers that specifically focus on West Virginia. Prodigi is a perfect example of a West Virginia-based company, and I am encouraged to see them receive this crucial funding through the FCC’s RDOF program. This fiber optic network based in Bruceton Mills has the potential to dramatically increase internet connectivity in West Virginia, and is a key player in the continued success of my Capito Connect program. This announcement is great news for our state and rural communities, and brings us closer to delivering fast, reliable, and affordable internet access for West Virginians,” Senator Capito said.