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02-2023 Broadband Update Page 1 of 3 What can you do now? Encourage citizens to sign up! Over 100 signs like the one pictured here have been placed throughout the County. Please encourage citizens to visit the website provided on the signs (https://signup.gigabeam.net) to begin receiving regular updates from Gigabeam. As of this week, more than 700 Montgomery County citizens have completed Gigabeam’s online form. What is next? 1. Gigabeam and Appalachian Power are finalizing fiber to the home construction plans. The maximum speed is one gigabyte per second. 2. While some work has begun in the Elliston/Shawsville area, significant construction – to include fiber installation by Gigabeam – is anticipated to begin this spring. 3. Gigabeam is currently hiring additional fiber and wireless installers and technicians. You may see a job ad like the one pictured here. What has been done? January 2023 Upon receiving SCC approval in December, Appalachian Power and Gigabeam have been finalizing construction and engineering plans. In addition, Appalachian Power has been collecting field data, with crews measuring lines. December 2022 The SCC approved Appalachian Power’s application to use the Utility Leverage Program. November 2022 Gigabeam designed a yard sign. The County ordered several yard signs for placement in the project area after Appalachian Power learns the State Corporation Commission (SCC) ruling on their application to use the Utility Leverage Program for this project. October 2022 Appalachian Power participated in the SCC public hearing. August 2022 Broadband Update February 10, 2023 SCC Solicits Public Comments. The SCC will be holding a public hearing in October 2022 to consider Appalachian Power Company’s proposal to provide fiber service in Montgomery and Bland Counties through the SCC’s Utility Leverage Program. Prior to the public hearing, the SCC is soliciting public comment. June 2022 AEP submits proposal to SCC. Appalachian Power filed its proposal for using the Utility Leverage Program to bring high speed internet to citizens and businesses in the rural areas of Montgomery County with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. April 2022 Spring Newsletter. Information about both of Montgomery County’s broadband projects resulting from VATI grants was shared with citizens in a newsletter mailed with spring tax bills. February 2022 AEP prepares proposal to SCC. Appalachian Power began preparing its proposal to bring high speed internet to citizens and businesses in Montgomery County through the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Utility Leverage. December 2021 Montgomery County Received $27.6 Million VATI Grant for $50 Million Broadband Project. The VATI grant funding will allow for up to 8,822 new connections for unserved citizens and businesses throughout the county. March 2021 Montgomery County Received VATI Grant. In March 2021, Montgomery County was awarded a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant to improve broadband infrastructure. Montgomery County partnered with Gigabeam Networks to bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville. This project is underway, with anticipated completion by December 2022. October 2020 Wireless on Wheels Carts Installed. Wireless on Wheels (WOW) carts were installed in rural areas of the county to help with internet accessibility to include telehealth appointments, working remotely, and K- 12 school assignments. August 2020 Private-Public Partnership Formed. Montgomery County selected Gigabeam through a RFP process. Gigabeam has experience in bringing high-speed internet to rural localities in Virginia. May 2020 Broadband Study Findings presented to Board of Supervisors. The findings were presented to the Board of Supervisors in the spring of 2020. Funding for the comprehensive broadband plan was made possible by Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development though the Community Development Block Grant Program. October 2019 Initial report provided. The collaborating companies provided the initial report, which provided a plan to implement recommendations and address the broadband needs of Montgomery County. August 2019 Thompson and Litton collaborated with Blue Ridge Advisory Services, Inc. The identified team selected Thompson and Litton who collaborated with a regional telecommunications and broadband company, Blue Ridge Advisory Services, Inc. May 2019 Surveyed citizens and businesses. The New River Regional Commission began surveying citizens and businesses with both paper and electronic response options available. Team formed. Proposals received. A diverse and cross-functional team was formed with local governments, community organizations, citizens, and businesses represented. Proposals from companies were submitted. February 2019 Montgomery County - New River Valley Regional Commission partnership. Montgomery County partnered with the New River Valley Regional Commission to develop a plan for addressing broadband needs in our community. The goal was to identify areas that are underserved and unserved by broadband in an effort to address coverage gaps; analyze infrastructure needs; receive feedback from citizens and stakeholders; identify potential partnership agreements for the final broadband plan implementation.