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Appalachian Power Expands Broadband Access in West Virginia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and expand broadband access in rural West Virginia, Appalachian Power, an American Electric Power company, has announced a significant infrastructure project that will bring high-speed internet to over 13,000 unserved customers in Logan and Mingo counties. The project, which is currently under construction, involves the installation of 361 miles of fiber optic cable and is expected to be completed by December 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Appalachian Power infrastructure expansion project will bring broadband access to over 13,000 unserved customers in Logan and Mingo counties, West Virginia.
  • The project involves the installation of 361 miles of fiber optic cable, with design, engineering, and pole replacements completed earlier in the year.
  • Internet service provider GigaBeam Networks will own, install, and operate the last-mile infrastructure needed to deliver broadband services to customers in the project area.
  • The project plan includes a phased-in approach to allow GigaBeam to connect new broadband service customers as construction progresses.
  • The filing proposes a $3.6 million increase in the broadband surcharge rate to reflect progress toward project completion, with the expected impact on residential customers' monthly bills.
  • When construction is complete, fiber lease revenues will partially offset the project's expenses.
  • Appalachian Power has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee and is part of American Electric Power, which operates the nation's largest electricity transmission system and delivers power to nearly 5.5 million customers in 11 states.

Statistics:

  • 361 miles: length of fiber optic cable to be installed as part of the project.
  • 13,000: number of unserved customers who will gain broadband access through the project.
  • $3.6 million: proposed increase in broadband surcharge rate.
  • 48 cents: expected increase in monthly bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kWh.
  • March 1, 2023: date when the proposed rate increase is expected to take effect.
  • December 2023: expected completion date for the project.

Sources:

  • Appalachian Power, "Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power Submit Updated Information to WV PSC on Broadband Expansion Project"
  • American Electric Power, "AEP Fact Sheet"

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