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West Virginia Senate Prioritizes Broadband Access Over Speed
By: Associated Press
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A rare floor debate broke out in the West Virginia Senate over how a state committee should mete out future grants to improve broadband access.
The Senate adopted an amendment Wednesday that tells the state's broadband counsel to prioritize Internet access for everyone before considering upgrades for some communities.
Sen. Robert Plymale said that access for all must come first.
Sen. Herb Snyder said that the amendment would tie the council's hands and make it give money to tiny communities rather than provide upgrades to more people.
Snyder said that everyone in the state already has satellite access and providing broadband access to remote cabins or tiny communities was not cost effective.
Plymale said that the council would prioritize access but would still make wise decisions concerning cost effectiveness.