Charleston, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey today praised just-released federal guidance on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and announced that West Virginia is positioned to be among the first states to act under the revised framework.
“From the beginning, we have approached the BEAD program with care and accountability,” said Governor Morrisey. “We resisted pressure to rush an application through a process weighed down by overly-rigid mandates. That prudence has paid off.”
The new guidance released today by the U.S. Department of Commerce empowers states to utilize a more technology-neutral approach, empowering states to consider a full range of broadband solutions—including fiber, satellite, fixed wireless, and mobile options—to reach unserved and underserved communities.
“We know that the terrain and realities of West Virginia demand flexibility—not a one-size-fits-all directive from Biden-era Washington,” Morrisey said. ‘”I want to thank Commerce Secretary Lutnick for his attention to both the taxpayer and the need for action relative to the BEAD legislation.”
State officials, working through the Department of Commerce and Office of Broadband, will soon announce the next steps for how the state can finalize its plan and come into compliance with this new guidance.
“Broadband access is not a luxury. It is a necessity—and we are determined to deliver it,” continued Morrisey. “Today’s announcement is great for West Virginia. We will continue to move quickly to get our residents connected in all corners of the state.”
West Virginia’s broadband strategy prioritizes access for rural communities, economic development zones, and areas underserved by the private sector. The Morrisey administration continues to partner with federal, local, and private-sector leaders to ensure that every West Virginian has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.
