Orange County, located in Virginia, has been making significant strides in bridging the digital divide by providing high-speed broadband internet access to its rural residents. Thanks to the efforts of FiberLync, a fiber optic internet service provider established in 2016 by the Orange County Broadband Authority, more and more residents are gaining access to reliable internet services. Recently, FiberLync received a substantial boost with a $2.1 million grant from the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative, a program under the state Department of Housing and Community Development.
Before the inception of FiberLync, over 40% of Orange County residents were left without any commercial high-speed internet provider, leaving them disconnected from the digital world. However, with the expansion of FiberLync and other providers, the county is on track to ensure that more than 93% of all Orange County addresses will soon have access to high-speed internet with speeds of up to one gigabit per second. This development is a significant step towards closing the digital divide and ensuring that all residents have equal access to essential online services.
The recent grant from the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative will further support FiberLync in its mission to connect residents in even the most remote locations. The Orange County Broadband Authority, led by Chairman R. Mark Johnson, is dedicated to expanding access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet for all residents. The authority believes that access to high-speed internet is crucial for both business and everyday life, and the receipt of the grant will enable them to reach more addresses with their services.
Residents of Orange County who are interested in signing up for FiberLync can do so by calling (540) 360-0585 or visiting join.fiberlync.net to check availability at their address. The continued efforts to expand broadband access in Orange County are part of a larger initiative in Virginia to ensure universal coverage statewide. Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced over $41 million in grants for broadband construction projects in various localities, including Orange County.
The Virginia Telecommunications Initiative has been instrumental in funding projects that aim to bring high-speed broadband to underserved areas across the state. The recent grant awards have leveraged additional funding from local governments and internet service providers, totaling over $75.7 million. Projects are selected based on need, community benefit, readiness, and cost, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are most needed.
In addition to the grants received by Orange County, other localities such as Culpeper County have also benefited from the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative. Culpeper County received an $8.6 million grant in 2021 for a fiber-to-home project, but residents are still awaiting the first connection. Despite some delays, the overall progress in expanding broadband access in Virginia is promising, with federal funding also being allocated to support these efforts.
Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have been vocal supporters of expanding broadband access in the state, recognizing the importance of internet connectivity for various aspects of daily life. With continued investments and support from both state and federal programs, Virginia is on track to achieve universal broadband coverage, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world.