The Connect Bedford committee held a reception on Tuesday to celebrate last month’s broadband grants which will directly benefit expansion of broadband services in rural Bedford County. William Bradford, President and CEO of United Communications, spoke at the reception, along with Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham. Greg Vick and Tracey Strassner chair the committee.
The state announced $162.7 million in broadband and digital opportunity grants last month, including two “middle mile” grants that involve Bedford County.
United Communications, which has worked closely with the local Connect Bedford committee on broadband projects, received a $3,150,107 grant for “middle mile” projects in Franklin, Moore and Bedford counties, and a $3,058,513 grant for “middle mile” projects in Bedford, Rutherford and Marshall counties.
Bradford explained how the middle mile projects will make it possible to extend broadband service into areas of Bedford County where it’s not now available.
The committee also discussed possibilities for future grant funding to complete the process of making broadband available to those who need it.