By Stephen Smoot
Late last month, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced funding for five internet service companies across West Virginia to expand “fiber-to-the-home broadband infrastructure” to 10 counties in the Mountain State.
These counties range from suburban and exurban Charleston to some of the more remote areas of the state. Counties that will benefit are Pendleton, Grant, Jackson, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Lewis, Mason, Preston, and Putnam.
In the Potomac Highlands, Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks Telephone Company received a little less than $10 million in funds for expansion in Pendleton while Micrologic got $3.8 million for projects in Grant County.
The State of West Virginia originally favored the less costly option of Starlink to fill in the gaps of residential and commercial service in more remote areas. Grant County Commission president Kevin Haggerty, joined by Scotty Miley and Tyson Riggleman, fellow commissioners, penned a letter to Governor Morrisey explaining the superiority of fiber, writing “it is evident that fiber-to-the-home provides a more sustainable, equitable, and high-performance option for our community.”
As the online trade publication, Broadband For Breakfast, noted, Grant County officials also shared that state’s plan to expand the number of data centers will require fiber connections. Commissioners also shared that “fiber is a more affordable solution for Grant County residents.”
Additionally, Pendleton County’s partial inclusion in restricted zones of the National Radio Quiet Zone makes broadband level service from satellite providers difficult and sometimes impossible to obtain in certain areas. The NRQZ is working with Pendleton County emergency management officials to assist in providing advanced communications technology for first responders and rescue vehicles.
For SKSRT, the grant helps the telecommunications non-profit to take, as Jena Miller, executive director, explained, “a step in the direction” of extending “services throughout the county entirely.”
More than 350 locations in Brandywine, Sugar Grove, Upper Tract, Franklin, and elsewhere will benefit from the expanded fiber service. “Some of the biggest challenges in the application process were narrowing down locations in underserved areas,” noted Miller, who added that other issues included “unknown variables that arise during engineering and construction.” SKSRT’s work “will ensure that broadband is available in more scarce areas.” Expanding affordable and reliable broadband service “enhances opportunities for remote work, education, telehealth, and essential everyday connectivity.”
Pendleton County’s telephone and telecommunications company differs from most entities of its type. The cooperative dates back to the Communications Act of 1934, which established the Universal Service Fund. Originally, this assisted cooperatives, such as SKSRT and Hardy Telecommunications, by providing federal money for each residence connected to landline phone service.
Those entities still receive help from that fund, but its purpose expanded after the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to include modern means of communication as well. SKSRT’s status as a non-profit cooperative renders it different from a private sector for profit firm. It has a board of directors with operations in the hands of the executive director.
Also, the USF survived a challenge to its constitutionality in a case brought before the United States Supreme Court late last month.
Miller also shared that “unlike larger companies, which can place prioritization on competition, financial returns, and high-density service areas, we place our focus on customer service and long-term reliability.” She also stated that “as a cooperative, our continued success depends on the trust and satisfaction of the customers we serve.”
Those interested in obtaining service can call the SKSRT office to inquire about eligibility. Also, SKSRT will put door hangers on residences that are eligible prior to the start of the project.
“We’re moving forward with these projects as quickly as possible,” explained Miller, who added “we appreciate your support and patience through this process.”
