In November, the Commonwealth received final approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce for Virginia’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal, clearing the way for more than $545 million in federal BEAD awards and nearly $430 million in private investment to extend broadband service to the last remaining unserved homes and businesses across the state.
But now Virginia faces the real test: turning federal dollars into real-world broadband construction on a tight timeline.
This approval marks a major milestone in Virginia’s long-standing commitment to universal broadband access. Just a few years ago, more than 430,000 Virginians lacked access to broadband infrastructure. Thanks to sustained state leadership and strong public-private collaboration, that number has been reduced dramatically. With BEAD approval, broadband projects are now underway for the remaining approximately 85,000 unserved locations, putting Virginia on track to become one of the first states in the nation to achieve universal connectivity.
If implemented effectively, this investment will strengthen Virginia’s economy, expand access to care and education, and ensure that geography no longer determines opportunity. To succeed, Virginia must ensure that infrastructure stakeholders do not create avoidable delays or costs that slow deployment and raise the price of broadband for consumers.
But while the funding is now in place, turning dollars into deployed networks will require continued collaboration.
That challenge arrives at a critical moment for the Commonwealth. Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic majorities in the General Assembly ran their campaigns on lowering costs and improving affordability for Virginians. Now they have the chance to deliver, and universal broadband is a great place to start.
But that’s easier said than done, as there are meaningful real-world barriers that can slow deployment if not addressed proactively. These challenges are not unique to Virginia, but they take on heightened urgency given the clear federal timelines attached to BEAD funding.
Access to utility poles is one example. In many parts of the Commonwealth, poles are the backbone of broadband networks, yet the process for attaching new infrastructure can be time consuming and unpredictable.
Thankfully, last week, the Federal Communications Commission issued a unanimous decision in Comcast v. Appalachian Power that set a precedent for solving a key challenge. The FCC
rejected unlawful cost-shifting practices that would force broadband providers to pay for preexisting violations on utility-owned poles caused by others, and it makes clear that pole owners cannot slow-walk broadband deployment through delay tactics or “pay now, refund later” schemes.
The FCC’s decision is not just about one dispute. It is a signal that broadband deployment is a national priority, and that utilities must follow the rules established to enable speedy deployment if Virginia is going to meet its BEAD goals.
Local governments also play a critical role. They face the challenge of balancing timely access to public rights-of-way needed to deploy broadband infrastructure while continuing to ensure public safety, minimize disruption, and manage the presence of existing utilities. Getting that balance right is essential to keeping projects on track and costs under control.
These challenges reflect the reality of scaling infrastructure deployment rapidly while working within systems that were not originally designed for this speed or volume. Pole owners, local governments, and broadband providers are all operating under real constraints.
Federal broadband funding represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Communities across Virginia are counting on these projects to deliver real benefits including improved access to health care and education, stronger local economies, and greater connectivity for families and businesses.
By working together to improve coordination and speed around pole access, and remove unnecessary barriers to broadband deployment, Virginia can ensure this historic investment delivers on its promise.
Virginia has a plan. The funding is in place. The benefits are clear. The next step is execution. That will require all of us pulling in the same direction to ensure every Virginian can connect, participate, and thrive in the digital economy.
Ray LaMura is president of the Broadband Association of Virginia.