Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) unveiled her three-point Capito Connect Plan for bringing affordable, high-speed internet access to every home, business and classroom in West Virginia.
"High-speed internet access is a pillar of our 21st Century infrastructure and a gateway to economic growth in rural America," said Senator Capito at a roundtable discussion in Fairmont. "When I was sworn into the Senate, I outlined my top priorities for strengthening West Virginia, and improving broadband is at the top of that list. Better connecting West Virginia through increased broadband access is imperative if we are going to compete and thrive, and my Capito Connect Plan is a roadmap for achieving this goal."
A recent study by the Federal Communications Commission indicates that 56 percent of West Virginia residents do not have access to broadband services that meet its benchmarks. In rural areas of the state, this number is an even higher 74 percent.