Spectrum launches high-speed internet network in growing Isle of Wight
More than 900 homes and businesses in Isle of Wight County now have access to internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit-per-second from a new Spectrum project.
The internet provider launched a broadband fiber optic network on Wednesday in the fast-growing rural county.
Isle of Wight Board of Supervisors Chairman William McCarty said in a news release that the broadband network will help spur economic development and at-home connectivity.
The project is part of the internet provider’s $5 billion rural broadband expansion project, which includes $1 billion in funding from the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Development Opportunity Fund auction.
The broadband network is also compatible with the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, with allows some low-income households to save at least $30 a month on internet bills.
Isle of Wight County is growing much faster than larger Hampton Roads localities, according to census data. The county now contains 40,151 people, according to a 2022 census estimate, which is an almost 14% increase from a population of 35,270 in 2010. For comparison, Norfolk’s population declined about 4% and Virginia Beach’s increased just 4% during the same time period.
More information on the county’s broadband initiatives, including a coverage and construction map, is available at co.isle-of-wight.va.us/departments/information_technology/broadband.php.
Residents or business owners can also check availability for their address on the Spectrum website at spectrumruralexpansion.com.
Trevor Metcalfe, 757-222-5345, trevor.metcalfe@pilotonline.com
