Broadband in the West

For the County to continue to thrive and prosper with its unique character, for current residents to remain in the County and for prospective residents and businesses to locate to Loudoun County, expanded broadband (particularly in the underserved areas of western Loudoun) is necessary so that there is less reliance upon dial-up or satellite access to the Internet.

DAAR Recommendations

Bolster communications infrastructure by working with alternate providers to provide services, such as “Wireless Internet Service Providers” (WISP); examine whether existing franchise agreements can help improve services; create a county liaison to link potential customers with Internet service providers; and explore the creation of a special broadband tax district to offset the infrastructure costs of bringing in the service for users.

Overview

Although up to 70% of the world’s internet traffic flows through the data centers in eastern Loudoun County each day, many in the western part of the County struggle to get an internet connection.

Background

The FCC’s National Broadband Plan states that no matter where you live or how much money you make, every American, every school, every library, every business, every health care institution and every public safety facility needs to have access to affordable broadband services. Technological communications ability has become the foundation of the American economy and the platform required for innovation and opportunity. It is a tool every child needs if they are to learn and compete in the global economy.

Access to affordable communications infrastructure is required to ensure that businesses, large and small, are created here, move here, and stay in our community. Technology is constantly advancing, and our community infrastructure supporting technology uses and tools needs to advance at a pace that is slightly ahead so that we are always in a position to leverage advanced technologies. We are a community of technology innovators, and our local infrastructure needs to enable innovation at the home and business locations.

In June 2021, All Points Broadband (APB) became the top choice for a partnership with the Loudoun County Government that could bring broadband to the west.

In July 2021, the Board of Supervisors voted to allocate over $12.4 million to bring broadband to underserved communities Loudoun. The unanimous decision will boost expansion efforts to western parts of the county and, should the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant be awarded to the board, this entire expansion project should be of no cost to Loudoun County taxpayers.

Our Focus

For the County to continue to thrive and prosper with its unique character, for current residents to remain in the County and for prospective residents and businesses to locate to Loudoun County, expanded broadband is necessary so that there is less reliance upon dial-up or satellite access to the Internet.