U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger joined Firefly Fiber Broadband, a subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) this week in Madison County to celebrate the latest expansion of broadband services aimed at bridging the connectivity gap in rural Virginia. This initiative marks significant progress in providing high-speed internet to areas traditionally underserved by major providers, especially in remote and rural communities across Madison County.
At the event, Spanberger highlighted the importance of reliable internet access for rural communities, underscoring its impact on education, healthcare, and economic development. She commended the cooperatives for their commitment to community-driven broadband expansion. The project, spearheaded by Firefly Fiber Broadband and supported by REC, is part of a broader effort to enhance digital access in rural Virginia, where connectivity challenges have long affected residents and businesses.
Firefly Fiber Broadband has been actively expanding its network through partnerships with electric cooperatives, a model that leverages existing infrastructure to accelerate broadband deployment at a lower cost than traditional methods. This expansion in Madison County is another step in Firefly’s mission to bring reliable, high-speed internet to CVEC and REC members, aligning with state and federal goals to close the digital divide.
Spanberger’s participation signals strong federal support for local broadband initiatives, particularly as recent legislation and funding programs, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, focus on making high-speed internet available to underserved communities nationwide.
This celebration in Madison County not only marks a milestone for the region but also exemplifies how public-private partnerships and cooperative efforts are paving the way for accessible, affordable broadband across rural America.
The Madison County broadband expansion represents a significant achievement in Virginia’s ongoing efforts to ensure all residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet service, regardless of their geographic location.
