Officials aim to bring broadband to all in Fauquier, VA within three years

Prospects for universal broadband across the Fauquier County, VA are brighter than ever. There has been a gush of federal and state funds, and the board of supervisors is pushing for a new public-private partnership that will use ubiquitous electric lines to deliver broadband over fiber–by far the fastest connection–to those who’ve been left out. The Fauquier County Broadband Authority, whose members are the five supervisors, took the first step on July 8 toward striking an agreement with All Points Broadband and Dominion Energy Virginia, the state’s largest electric utility, to provide wired broadband service to homes. Dominion will carry fiber over the middle miles while All Points will tackle the more challenging last mile to get fiber to homes that may be far off the beaten path. While Fauquier County was not selected for a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative grant and had to drop their subsequent bid for the second round, the county aims to use CARES Act funds and other federal funding efforts to invest in broadband infrastructure. Cedar Run, VA Supervisor Rick Gerhardt concurs that universal broadband is achievable in three years. “With all the resources that are being committed to us and the companies coming to us with solid plans,” he said, “the time is right.”