April 26, 2021
Investments from Cox, Chesapeake and a $90k VATI grant will enable connectivity for 53 residences and 16 businesses.
Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced more than $20.1 million in grants through the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) to support 11 projects across Virginia. A project that will bring Cox broadband fiber service to 69 serviceable units, including 16 businesses, in unserved areas of Chesapeake will receive $90,177 in state funding.
“This is what successful public-private partnerships can do,” said Del. Jay Leftwich (R-Chesapeake). “Thanks in part to this grant funding, Cox and the City of Chesapeake can extend service to customers who currently don't have access to broadband speeds. Together, we're bridging the digital divide and spurring economic development in Chesapeake.”
Plans to start construction will begin immediately.
“Access to broadband is no longer a luxury,” said J.D. Myers, II, Senior Vice President and Region Manager for Cox Virginia. “It’s a business driver. It’s a connection to the world. With this project, we’re moving the needle and supporting the Governor’s goal of universal broadband coverage in the Commonwealth.”
The funds received from the VATI grant will offset a portion of this $186,421-project, which will connect 53 homes and 16 businesses to broadband access by the end of the year. In addition to VATI grant funding, Cox has made great strides in expanding broadband access in Virginia. Through community partnerships, Connect2Compete and CARES Act funding, Cox is moving the needle on bridging the digital divide for families and students in Virginia.
Community Partnerships
In 2020, the Cox team completed several projects to bring access to 1,059 new residences in Chesapeake. In February 2021, the Beaver Dam Road project was completed connecting 52 homes to broadband access. Other projects in progress in Chesapeake will provide connectivity for 390 additional residences in 2021.
Cox also partnered with other localities to address broadband access in low-income neighborhoods across the state.
Connect2Compete
Through Connect2Compete, Cox’s low-cost Internet product, Cox connected 5,130 Virginia families to the Internet in 2020.
CARES Act
Cox leveraged more than $500,000 in CARES Act-funded projects in 2020, including:
- Broadband extension projects in partnership with New Kent County, James City County and Roanoke County, utilizing more than $400,000 in CARES Act funds.
- Partnerships with 5 school systems utilizing CARES Act funds to subsidize Connect2Compete service for more than 1,000 students.
