WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVDN) – Today, Senator Jim Justice released a statement highlighting a recent Broadband report that ranks West Virginia as the leading state in the US on internet growth:
“The internet is today’s lifeblood: jobs, investment, and opportunity all come when people are connected and online. My administration worked hand in hand with the West Virginia state legislature to invest in an effort that expanded the state’s broadband connectivity and cut through regulatory red tape. This investment is now bearing fruit as West Virginia leads in broadband connectivity faster than anywhere else in the country. I’m thankful for all those who worked with me to pull the rope together because this is good policy at work: plain and simple,” said Senator Jim Justice.
BACKGROUND:
- The report highlights the successes of broadband expansion during his time as Governor.
- Access to cable or fiber infrastructure has grown by 245% since 2019
- Download speeds have increased by 83% since 2022
- Upload speeds have increased by 37% since 2022
- West Virginia leads the US in internet growth since 2023
- The state is in the top six most improved since 2017
- Recently, Senator Justice highlighted the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data showing West Virginia is leading the nation in closing its digital divide.
- In 2021, Senator Justice announced a billion-dollar broadband strategy to expand internet across the state.
- Private investment from internet companies, unspent COVID subsidies, and state surplus money accounted for the $250 million investment originally made by the Justice Administration. Federal money continues to flow into the state further supplementing the project’s growth.
