September 03, 2020

Manchin: Governor's Broadband Funding Announcement Is Misleading

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) released the following statement on Governor Justice’s briefing today claiming West Virginia would be receiving $766 million in federal funding to expand broadband in West Virginia.

“West Virginia is not getting $766 million in federal funds through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund just because the Governor signed an Executive Order saying he wants it to happen. Unfortunately, as of the most recent FCC report on September 1st, there isn’t even a single Internet Service Provider in the state that’s eligible to bid on this funding right now.

“For years I’ve been asking the FCC to fix their coverage maps, which show that 98% of West Virginians have access to adequate broadband. We know their maps are wrong and more than 1,500 West Virginians have submitted speed tests that prove it. We know West Virginians will get left behind if the FCC doesn’t update their maps before putting this money out the door. Instead of the Governor making hollow promises, as a U.S. Senator, I’m going to continue my work to secure federal funding for rural broadband and ensure West Virginia doesn’t get left behind.”