BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – In November 2017, the Central West Virginia Development Association was granted $3 million by USDA Rural Development for a project called ‘The Community Connect Grant.’ The goal of this grant is to bring broadband to rural, underserved parts of Upshur, Randolph and Barbour counties.
Micrologic was contracted to upgrade three microwave towers already in place and build 26 towers across the three counties to deploy fixed wireless broadband to over 3,500 households and businesses. These towers will provide broadband access to nearly 9,000 West Virginia residents and employers.
The need for towers and broadband came after the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council ranked West Virginia as 48th of the 50 states in access to broadband. The state is severely underserved and it is imperative that upgrades are made if West Virginia wants to compete with the rest of the world.
Those located within the proposed funded service area will receive three months of free internet service with a minimum speed of 10×1 and free installation from Micrologic.
The first of the 26 towers being built has been completed in Randolph County.
“Mabie, West Virginia is the first town in the counties to benefit from this grant, and Micrologic could not be more thrilled to connect residents to the internet with this tower,” said Emiel Butcher, Micrologic president.
Be on the look out for more news on the construction of the next towers in the weeks to come.
Micrologic has served North Central West Virginia for over 20 years and is located at 1020 Old Elkins Road in Buckhannon. For more information or to check your availability, visit www.micrologicwv.com.
