The Regional Commission joined partners and stakeholders for an on-site tour of the 2024 Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) broadband project in Giles County. The visit was part of the ongoing monitoring process led by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
Representatives from DHCD, Giles County, Pembroke Telephone Cooperative (PemTel), JSI Engineering, Taylor Construction, and the Regional Commission participated in the tour, which included visits to several active construction sites across the southwestern part of the county. The group had the opportunity to observe key components of the broadband deployment process firsthand. Highlights included viewing Optical Line Terminal (OLT) cabinets—critical infrastructure that enables fiber broadband service—and observing live fiber splicing, a precise and essential step in connecting the network.
Project partners reported that construction is approximately 30% complete showing significant progress. There have been a few ongoing challenges, but PemTel, the internet service provider (ISP), the engineers and the construction crew have been able to meet these challenges and keep the project moving forward. Once complete, the project will expand access to reliable, high-speed internet for unserved/underserved areas, supporting economic development, education, healthcare access, and overall quality of life for residents.
The Regional Commission remains committed to supporting regional broadband initiatives and fostering partnerships that bring critical infrastructure to communities throughout the New River Valley.
For more information, please contact Chris Owens (cowens@nrvrc.org).