Giles County Receives Grant to Expand Broadband

Giles County, VA – Giles County receives grant from Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) to help bring broadband to the county.

The request for broadband from the citizens of Giles County has not gone unheard. However, due to the rocky, mountain terrain, building the infrastructure to host a broadband network would be very challenging and costly, until now. Thanks to the grant from VATI, almost $600,000 of the cost to implement a broadband infrastructure will be offset. The VATI grant was specifically created to help service providers expand reliable broadband to more and more rural areas.

The Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) has been working for the past year to identify which areas in the county have the biggest needs. They found that residents living and working in the outlying areas of the county have been the most disconnected. In these areas the topography is the most challenging and the population is less dense, which means more infrastructure is needed to reach those families. With the help of the current service provider, Gigabeam’s match grant of $266,000, the hope is that by next summer, the new expansion of broadband will be complete. This project will bring reliable broadband connection to more than 2,300 homes and 60 businesses in the west part of the county.

Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.