The Eastern Shore of Virginia Broadband Authority (ESVBA) is proud to announce it has been awarded over $8.8 million in federal BEAD funding. This significant investment is part of Virginia’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal and will allow the ESVBA to connect more than 4,100 homes, businesses, and community institutions that are currently unserved on the Eastern Shore.
This award is a major step toward Governor Younkin’s commitment to achieving complete broadband coverage for the Commonwealth. As the largest and most reliable internet service provider on the Eastern Shore, the ESVBA is uniquely positioned to complete this final phase of deployment.
“Every person, whether they live in a rural, suburban, or urban area, deserves great connectivity and the chance to fully participate in the broadband ecosystem,” said Robert Bridgham, Executive Director of ESVBA. “To be chosen to execute such a large and critical part of this final phase is a tremendous honor. Our team is ready to get to work alongside the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), leveraging our partnerships and expertise to ensure this essential infrastructure is deployed efficiently and effectively for our community.”
This funding empowers ESVBA to build upon its existing 1,000 miles of fiber and extend gigabit-capable service into even the hardest-to-reach areas. The expanded network will bolster economic growth, telework, telehealth, education, and public safety. By combining this federal investment with private-sector co-investment, ESVBA will deliver a cost-effective, future-proof broadband solution that will serve the region for decades. The project will also maintain ESVBA’s open-access model, allowing other internet service providers to lease capacity and increase consumer choice.
