The study would focus on what is called the "last mile," or the portion of broadband infrastructure that extends out from the main line, or trunk line, into areas where that mainline does not reach.
Coinciding with that application, the Region 4 Planning and Development Council has also applied for funding that would pay for the design component towards the construction of a regional fiber trunk line.
"Expanding our broadband is essential to further diversification and economic growth in Fayette County," said the Fayette County Commission in the release.
In the release, sent by commission president, Matt Wender, the commission urged the citizens of Fayette County to take the state's broadband test on the West Virginia Broadband Council's website.
"The speed test, hosted on the Broadband Council's website, is safe and secure and available to residents who have internet service at their home, business or at a public facility," the press release said. "The more public input we receive, the more accurately we can access the availability of broadband service throughout Fayette County and the state."
The Broadband Council was created in 2016 to oversee the development and extension of broadband access throughout West Virginia.
Two Fayette County residents, Pete Hobbs and Jeff Proctor, are members of the 17-person Broadband Council.
©2017 The Register-Herald (Beckley, W.Va.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
