$37.9 Million Federal Loan To Fund Fiber Optic System in Southern Counties [Jun-19-2007] WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sixteen communities in Raleigh and Fayette counties are set to receive high-speed broadband services thanks to an infusion of $37, 973,000 in federal funds Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) announced June 19. The funds will be distributed as a loan, to the Beckley Service Area Company’s ITown Communications project.  “The creation of this high-speed network will ensure that Southern West Virginia is on the cutting edge of telecommunications technology, and is able to compete in this 21st century economy,” Rockefeller said. “This project will create substantial economic growth, improve the quality of life for users, and enhance educational opportunities. While increasing the efficiency of government services, it will generally benefit the health, safety, and welfare of the community.” The loan, which will be repaid over 17 years, will be used for the construction of an open access Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) system in which fiber optic cables will connect homes and businesses to a broadband network. When completed, the ITown Communications Project estimates that 12,624 homes and 1,124 businesses in the region will have high-speed internet access -- but has the capacity to expand and provide over 33,000 homes and 2,200 businesses with broadband access.  Funding for this project comes from the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program. Senator Rockefeller, a leading advocate for enhanced broadband services to rural communities, wrote a letter supporting the joint application on behalf of The Beckley Service Area Company, both Fayette and Raleigh counties, and the City of Beckley.  Senator Rockefeller is a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee – the panel that oversees broadband issues.   Back to News