Manchin says FCC is providing $53.5M for West Virginia broadband

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin (D) says the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is providing $53.5 million for the state’s broadband. 

In an announcement on Thursday, Manchin said the Citynet will be given $53,513,114 from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) over the next 10 years with a goal of expanding broadband access to residents across the state. 

“Affordable, reliable broadband access is vital to the success and growth of our communities across West Virginia, and the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of broadband for our everyday lives,” Manchin said. 

“I am pleased West Virginia provider Citynet will receive $53.5 million to expand access in West Virginia, but there is still work to be done. The broadband coverage maps used to distribute RDOF funds are still incorrect, and over 2,400 West Virginians have proven it through speed tests submitted to the FCC. That’s why I successfully fought to tie broadband funding in the bipartisan infrastructure bill to updated maps to ensure that every West Virginian can get the quality broadband access we all need and deserve,” he added. 

Broadband Now has said broadband access in West Virginia has been overestimated by the FCC more than any other state. 

FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in the statement there is more help for expanding broadband access in West Virginia coming.

“This is an important program for getting more Americans connected to high-speed internet, and we are continuing careful oversight of this process to ensure that providers meet their obligations to deploy in areas that need it,” she added.