Stafford Wins Grant For Higher-Speed Internet In Unserved Areas

STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — Stafford County received a nearly $875,000 grant from Virginia to bring fixed wireless Internet service to unserved residents in the Aquia/Marlborough Point and Griffis-Widewater peninsula areas of the county. In its application, Stafford partnered with King George Internet to show that it had a plan in place to bring Internet service to these areas.

King George Internet has served King George, Westmoreland and Caroline counties for several years. The company uses the technology of air fiber from towers to connect homes and businesses.

For residences, King George Internet offers speeds ranging from 25 to 150 megabits per second, with unlimited usage and no throttling. For businesses, the company provides higher speeds and will customize speeds according to business needs.

"Internet is vital for businesses, those who work at home and of course, students trying to complete homework," Stafford Board of Supervisors Chairman Meg Bohmke said Friday in a statement. "This grant will go a long way towards solving that problem and may open up solutions in the future for the remaining unserved areas."

The state had $18.3 million in available funding, and 34 localities filed 39 applications for $43.6 million in funding. Awards were made to the highest scoring projects.

Stafford applied for the grant a year ago but was unsuccessful. One of the grant requirements is for localities to partner with providers. This year, Stafford partnered with King George Internet. "From the start of this great partnership with Stafford County, I felt we had a wonderful opportunity to improve the lives of those who lack broadband connectivity in Stafford County," said Michele Wido, president of KGI Communications, the parent company of King George Internet.

Stafford County said its application was helped by the grassroots support it received. The county application package included letters from residents, the Aquia Bay Marina, Friends of Widewater State Park and the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors.

Stafford County Supervisor Cindy Shelton, who represents the Aquia District, said she met with many residents who lacked broadband. The resident explained how the lack of service had a harmful effect on their daily lives, including the ability to conduct common activities on the Internet.

"I am so proud of the power of the people to make a difference. We will continue to work towards connecting all the unreached," Shelton said.

Once Virginia disburses its grants to localities, the projects must be completed within a year. Stafford County said it will be making regular updates to residents on the progress of the project.