West Virginia’s broadband plan had been approved by federal officials, clearing the way to bring high-speed internet access to tens of thousands of residents.
“This is going to help so many West Virginians — making lives easier and services more accessible in their everyday lives,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said at a press conference Friday morning.
But the newly approved broadband plan is drastically different from an earlier version that was nearly completed early this year.
After months of delays because of changing rules by the Trump administration, the state’s plan for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program will only designate spending for about half of the $1.2 billion of federal dollars it was allocated over two years ago, and serve fewer locations than before.
Drew Galang, a spokesperson for Morrisey, said federal officials will release guidance about how the state can use the remaining funds at a later date.
In the state’s original plan, crafted under the Biden administration, West Virginia was poised to spend nearly $1 billion to connect over 100,000 locations, and spend millions supporting community institutions and workforce development and improve cell service across the state.
Some $4 million was supposed to fund improvements to WVNET, a network service used in libraries, government agencies and schools in West Virginia. About $90 million was to be spent on improving cell service in dead zones and remote communities.
An additional $30 million would have supported educational development and workforce training to increase the state’s broadband workforce.
But those additional improvements were removed in the state’s revised plan that was submitted in September, and 40,000 locations were removed.
Some were found not to be serviceable because they were not homes or businesses, while others were libraries, schools and firehouses that would have made broadband available to the general public.
Galang said the primary reason for locations failing to qualify for BEAD funding is that they had already gained access or they had been funded by other state, local or federal programs.
Evan Feinman, former director of the federal broadband program during the Biden administration, said he is concerned that the current administration is trying to claw back funding from states to fund other priorities.
“West Virginians should fight like hell against that if it happens,” he said. “There is an awful lot of really good work that can be done with those funds.”
Ariell Roth, head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, now oversees the federal broadband program. She said the state saved 43% through its new plan, cutting spending by nearly $400 million.
“I appreciate the work of Governor Morrisey, West Virginia’s Office of Broadband and the providers across the state for truly sharpening their pencils and delivering for their state,” she said.
Construction is expected to begin next year. Most homes and businesses covered under the modified plan will receive high-speed fiber internet from providers like Citynet and Frontier, while others will receive satellite internet from providers like Starlink.
Clarification , Nov. 22, 2025: This story has been updated to clarify the ongoing nature of the state’s plans for disbursement of BEAD money and to add comments from the governor’s office.