The next meeting of the Commonwealth Connect Coalition is scheduled for December 17. Topics of discussion will include a preview of the 2021 General Assembly Session, and the potential results of two broadband funding sources. At the federal level, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) $16 billion phase I auction round concluded this week and the results should be published in the near future. There were approximately 189,000 eligible locations in the Commonwealth. On the state level, many counties are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) awards. This information is pending as the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will likely have to re-scope and re-score projects after the RDOF results have been announced.
More information on the Commonwealth Connect Coalition, broadband funding opportunities, and resources and guidance for local governments seeking to improve broadband access can be found here.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
December 4 – Broadband Advisory Council Meeting | 2pm – 4pm
Agenda
Webinar link (video and audio) – https://meet.google.com/ybi-dbeh-cmt
Conference Call (audio) – 617-675-4444 PIN: 377-181-572-0900
December 17 – Commonwealth Connect Coalition Meeting | 1pm – 2pm
Agenda
Webinar link (video and audio) – https://meet.google.com/mhf-mkio-zyq
Conference Call (audio) – 609-701-1093 Pin: 406-893-188
December 23 – USDA Community Connect Program Deadline
Learn more here
December 25 – CARES Act Broadband Funding Deadline
Learn more here
VACo Contacts: Jeremy R. Bennett and Joe Lerch, AICP