Kim Nuckles

The WV Broadband Enhancement Council meetings covered various topics including financial statements, updates from the Public Service Commission regarding pole attachment issues, and discussions on Verizon's acquisition of Frontier. Updates were provided on ARPA projects and the IIJA NTIA Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, including the state's allocation and program revisions. The council also discussed legislation affecting wireless facilities and infrastructure, and the relocation of the Office of Broadband under the Division of Economic Development. Additionally, there were discussions on Ookla speed test data, satellite service performance, and the impact of the BEAD program pause. A resolution was considered in support of continued broadband infrastructure development in West Virginia.

The meeting addressed the Dig Once Policy, with updates from the Infrastructure Committee, and discussed the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic's broadband legal toolkit project (TURBO) and a request for the Council to provide a $15,000 cash match. The Council also discussed the NTIA's request for comments regarding broadband data collection and recognized West Virginia's current data collection efforts. There was also an announcement about the passing of Allen Daugherty.

The WV Broadband Enhancement Council Workshop included opening remarks, welcome remarks, and presentations. Discussions focused on private/public partnerships, broadband speeds, and infrastructure challenges in rural areas. Models for broadband deployment, including municipal models, public risk/private execution, and shared risk investment, were explored. The FCC's Universal Service Fund and Connect America Fund Phase II were discussed, along with efforts by Connected Nation to expand technology access. The workshop also covered federal funding resources, including programs from the US Department of Agriculture, the West Virginia Economic Development Administration, the United States Economic Development Administration, and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Community Connect Public Private Project was also presented.

The meeting included an update on the USDA ReConnect Program, with an upcoming visit from USDA Administrator Chad Rupe to announce grant/loan funding. There was a discussion regarding the FCC's internal review of its broadband mapping procedure and efforts to improve accuracy. The Council reviewed a feasibility study submitted by Appalachian Power Company (AEP) for a proposed project in Logan and Mingo Counties, including a presentation by AEP representatives and a review by Tilson Technology. The council also discussed the 2020-2025 State Broadband Plan and an FCC Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Workshop.

The meeting focused on broadband mapping initiatives, including additional map layers and the ARC Broadband Hub. Updates were provided on the NTIA Project and the new Five-Year State Broadband Plan. The council discussed private investments and CDBG 2018 project announcements, as well as the Pew Broadband Research Initiative. The USDA ReConnect application portal was mentioned, and council members were encouraged to get more communities involved.