Press Releases

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has announced that it has approved Virginia’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal. This achievement puts Virginia one step closer to securing federal funding to support broadband development in Virginia, including in rural underserved areas.

In response to this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, issued the following statement:

“The Virginia BEAD proposal has immense potential to bridge the digital divide, deliver high-speed internet and usher in a new era for rural communities in Virginia. This recent NTIA approval of Governor Youngkin’s plan is welcome news. I commend the Commonwealth for its diligent work to make broadband opportunities and access a reality in rural Virginia.” 

BACKGROUND

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over broadband, Congressman Griffith was previously able to waive onto the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology hearing to advocate for greater broadband access in Virginia’s Ninth District. In 2024, he pressed an official from the NTIA and encouraged approval of Virginia’s BEAD program proposal submitted by Governor Youngkin.

After the 2024 hearing, the NTIA announced approval of Virginia’s Initial Proposal to access BEAD program funding, allowing the state to request over $1.4 billion. Rep. Griffith commented at the time, “Governor Youngkin and the Commonwealth of Virginia put together a great plan under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to close the digital divide and equip rural Virginia with access to broadband. After my office and I actively monitored the status of Virginia’s proposal and encouraged NTIA, Virginia moves a step closer to expanding broadband for Virginians.”

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