PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. – West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced broadband funding for ten counties across the state, including Preston County.
The investment aims to expand high-speed internet access in rural communities that have struggled with limited connectivity.
Preston County resident Tracy Burns said the difference is noticeable.
Burns spent years trying multiple internet options. She tried Frontier, a cellphone hotspot and Starlink before fiber provider Prodigi became available in her area.
“I couldn’t even stream TV things, Netflix and Disney+,” Burns said. “Now, I’m able to do things that are kind of just normal for other people who have really good internet.”
Prodigi received more than $10 million in the state funding to expand broadband infrastructure throughout Preston County. President and co-owner Tim Wotring said the support is crucial for serving rural areas where fewer customers mean less revenue to sustain large projects.
“So the grant funds offset that and make it possible for us to reach the rural areas that otherwise would not be able to have fiber built into the community,” Wotring said.
Nearly 10% of West Virginia residents lack internet access altogether, but Prodigi has already connected over two-thirds of Preston County, and Preston County Commissioner Hunter Thomas said that number may soon grow.
Thomas said the county could become the first in West Virginia and possibly the first in the nation to achieve 100% broadband access.
“They are looking to have all of Preston County have access to, all Prestonians, all Preston County businesses, within three years, and that would be the first county in West Virginia to have complete access to reliable high-speed broadband and potentially the first county in the nation, believe it or not,” he said.
Better internet access allows residents to stay connected, grow their businesses and remain in West Virginia rather than relocating, Wotring said.
“I’ve had many people say they were going to have to move their business to Maryland because there was not adequate broadband access,” Wotring said. “When we came along, they were able to maintain their business here.”
Broadband access also contributes to economic growth by expanding remote work opportunities and adding jobs. Wotring said that Prodigi’s work has supported families throughout the Bruceton Mills and Preston County area.
“It’s really providing income, sustainable income, for many families right here in the Bruceton Mills and Preston County communities,” he said.
This article has been adapted from its TV format using the assistance of AI. All facts, quotes, and stats are from reporting and have been checked for accuracy.