Virginia Invests $8M in Broadband Grants for Telehealth Expansion

Telehealth programs targeting rural areas of Virginia will benefit from the disbursement of more than $8 million in state grants to a dozen projects aimed at boosting broadband connectivity. Governor Ralph Northam announced the grants last month through the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI), a state-funded program overseen by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The 12 programs will get $8.3 million to provide “last mile” broadband covered to underserved regions in the commonwealth, affecting more than 36,000 residents and businesses. Broadband is a necessity for communities to attract business, for students to use educational resources, and for Virginians to receive healthcare through telemedicine,” Northam said in a press release. “My administration is committed to expanding broadband access to every part of Virginia, so that all of our citizens have access to the opportunities that connectivity make possible.