The first effects of a 2017 grant by the USDA are being seen in Randolph County. 

According to internet service provider Micrologic, the first of 26 towers being built in the Randolph, Upshur, and Barbour County areas is complete. 

“Mabie, West Virginia is the first town in the counties to benefit from this grant and Micrologic could not be more thrilled to connect residents to the internet with this tower,” said Micrologic President Emiel Butcher in a press release Monday. 

In November of 2017, the USDA granted $3 million to expand broadband to more than 3,600 households and communities. 

Micrologic says they will give those within the proposed funded service areas three months of free internet service with a minimum speed of 10x1 and free installation.

 ORIGINAL STORY 11/6/17

The digital divide is a problem that many of our counties continue to face with several residents and businesses having no access to high speed internet. Thanks to a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, thousands will soon be brought up to speed. 

The USDA is investing $3 million in infrastructure projects to bring broadband to more than 3,600 households and communities. Senator Shelley Moore Capito joined Anne Hazlett, Assistant to the Secretary of Rural Development, to announce the project.