RD198 - Broadband Feasibility Studies for Specified Rural Areas


Executive Summary:
Broadband Solutions Executive Summary

Item 104.O.2 of the Appropriations Act set aside $100,000 for the study of broadband telecommunications services in an area encompassing all of Planning Districts 6 (Central Shenandoah), 7 (Northern Shenandoah) and 10 (Thomas Jefferson) as well as the Counties of Culpeper, Madison and Orange. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has worked to develop a partnership with local and regional entities interested in enhancing telecommunications capacity within the defined area. James Madison University (JMU) is one of these partners. JMU is currently developing a work plan to address the telecommunication needs of the region. DHCD expects to complete a final review of the plan and enter into a formal agreement later this year with JMU to complete the study.

Because this effort has not yet resulted in recommendations for specific steps to address last-mile solutions, the report focuses on actions taken to date and the steps remaining to complete the work anticipated by the budget item. DHCD will continue to report on the progress of this project and, when the work is completed, prepare a final report detailing the recommended solutions or actions.