BUCKHANNON – In 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 48^th 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.

Earlier this year, Micrologic announced the construction and activation of the first tower in Mabie. The company is now proud to announce the second of these towers has now been constructed and is available to service residents in the Dailey area of Randolph County. 

“Dailey, West Virginia is the second 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.

Micrologic is continuing to work on these towers and to bring connectivity to Upshur, Randolph and Barbour Counties. Be on the lookout for more news on the construction of the next towers in the weeks to come. 

For more information or to check your availability, visit www.micrologicwv.com.