Charleston, WV — In a significant step toward bridging the digital divide, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband (WVDED) has been awarded more than $9 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding aims to improve access to affordable high-speed internet, digital skills training, and internet-enabled devices for communities across the state.
“It’s important that all West Virginia residents know where they can find the resources they need to fully utilize the internet,” Derek Zelkowski, digital equity officer in the Office of Broadband, said. “We strongly encourage organizations throughout West Virginia to apply to the current Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program and to the upcoming Digital Equity Capacity Grant programs to expand these services throughout the State.”
“Everyone on our team understands the urgent need to expand broadband to all West Virginians. We cannot overstate the importance of this critical infrastructure to West Virginia’s economic future. The West Virginia Office of Broadband has worked incredibly hard through a rigorous process to reach this point. We look forward to working with NTIA and all of our federal partners to move as quickly as possible to deploy broadband throughout the State. – Mitch Carmichael, West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development
The Digital Equity Capacity Grant will provide affordable internet-enabled devices, develop digital skills training programs, and improve internet affordability for low-income households. These efforts aim to empower residents by equipping them with the tools and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Director of the West Virginia Office of Broadband Kelly Workman said the milestone goes along with this year’s theme of the broadband summit, “Where West Virginia Connects.” She said it’s focused on all of the ways the state’s broadband enables West Virginians to connect. Workman said with that, there’s even more work needed to be addressed to ensure everyone in the state is efficiently connected.
The combination of Digital Equity and BEAD funding represents a holistic approach to tackling digital inequities. While the BEAD program focuses on building broadband infrastructure to connect underserved and unserved areas, the DEA programs aim to ensure that individuals and communities can afford and effectively use these services.
Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator, emphasized the importance of this dual strategy. “Broadband infrastructure is only part of the equation,” Davidson said. “To achieve digital equity, we must also address affordability and digital literacy. The Digital Equity Capacity Grant ensures that every American can participate in our digital future.”
Local leaders have praised the funding as a transformative opportunity for West Virginia’s rural and low-income communities. “This investment will make a real difference for families who have struggled to access reliable internet,” said Senator Joe Manchin, a strong advocate for broadband expansion in the state. “It’s about more than just getting online; it’s about opening doors to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.” WVDED plans to roll out its initiatives over the coming months, with a focus on reaching the state’s most vulnerable populations. Key programs will include community-based digital literacy workshops, partnerships with local libraries and schools, and subsidies for internet-enabled devices.
Residents and organizations interested in learning more about the Digital Equity programs or participating in upcoming initiatives are encouraged to visit WVDED’s official website: West Virginia Office of Broadband.
