Closing the Digital Divide
West Virginia ranks 50th in broadband connectivity of all states, DC, and Puerto Rico, with thousands of addresses unable to access reliable, high-speed internet service. Thrasher’s client Regional Optical Communications (ROC) set out to change that. They hired #TeamThrasher to perform a statewide broadband study that examined every broadband serviceable address in West Virginia. The study determined more than 14,800 miles of preliminary routing and associated cost estimates and lays the groundwork for creating future buildable broadband projects to reach every address in the state.
Using the Data
All of the data determined through the study was compiled into a 605-page Study Report. The document details the current broadband landscape in the state, provides a county-by-county look at the study’s results, explains the methods used to arrive at the results, and outlines next steps that can be taken to use the data for pursuit of broadband construction projects. Whether looking for funding options or trying to identify the right internet service provider, communities will be able to use this report as a guide moving forward.
Since the original report was published, a change in previously funded routes occurred in some counties, with funding no longer available for several of the routes originally marked as funded. A Supplemental Report is available, which provides updated routing and cost estimates for those areas impacted by this funding change.
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