Thursday, September 9, 2010

Broadband Slated for Alleghany Highlands

Congressman Rick Boucher explains how the plan will work.^

Waynesboro-based nTelos has announced its implementation plan for a $16 million federal broadband stimulus award to bring broadband services and infrastructure to underserved households, businesses, and community facilities in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia.

The award, which required nTelos to match the $8 million federal grant, enables nTelos to build a "future proof" fiber optic network to serve the needs of Alleghany citizens for decades to come. In making the announcement, Congressman Rick Boucher said, “The new fiber-to-the-premise Internet access services will improve the quality of life in the region, providing residents and businesses in Alleghany County with new opportunities for communications, education, entertainment, shopping and conducting business online.

"Local entrepreneurs will be able to enhance their businesses with online tools and reach new customers, and residents will have the option of telecommuting. And the new high-speed Internet services will ensure the region is able to attract technology-based businesses.”

Chief Executive Officer Jim Hyde said, “nTelos has embarked on a century-long journey to achieve its status as a leader in the communications industry and in the regions we serve.”

nTelos received the federal stimulus award from the Rural Utilities Service 50/50 program under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The service area is comprised of a majority of Alleghany County, minus the city of Covington and the towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate, which are already classified as "served" by the federal stimulus guidelines.

The service area will reach a population of almost 9,200 residents in an estimated 4,216 households.

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