This article provides insight into a 2020 law allowing electric co-ops in Virginia to hang fiber in existing electric easements, including those outside their service area. The law, experts say, will make it easier to facilitate broadband deployment projects in rural, unserved parts of the state.

The Commonwealth Connect Plan, published in 2020 by the State of Virginia, explains how the State will work with local governments to identify gaps in coverage and develop plans to fill those gaps. It discusses current broadband availability in the State, non-state and local actors, initiatives undertaken by other states to increase broadband availability, what Virginia is currently doing, and recommendations for policies that would improve these efforts.