Despite international and national supply chain issues, fixed wireless broadband equipment is arriving, and the network buildout is underway.

Open Broadband is working on the first phase of the local project in both Mathews and Gloucester counties, outfitting towers with antennas, receivers, and other new technology to help meet distance and speed goals for the internet service.

Much of the legwork of this project is being completed by the Gloucester and Mathews VATI (Virginia Telecommunication Initiative) committees, which work in concert to expand broadband in underserved areas, fulfilling all requirements of VATI grant funding. Both localities are working towards ubiquitous broadband access throughout their counties, according to a release from the Gloucester Department of Community Engagement and Public Information.

The VATI committee is made up of stakeholders, county leadership and IT professionals, both inside and outside the two counties, who have helped to guide the application and implementation processes. This grant was awarded in 2021 and will help build out a new fixed wireless network with North Carolina-based ISP Open Broadband. The grant will expand broadband access to 313 “serviceable units,” including 19 businesses, with 131 addresses located in Gloucester, two in Middlesex and 180 in Mathews.

For more information on the VATI grant, and broadband information in Gloucester County, residents can go to the Broadband Hub at https://gloucester-broadband-gcgis.hub.arcgis.com. Mathews County residents can go to the Broadband Advisory Board website at www.mathewscountyva.gov/255/Broadband-Advisory-Board.

Individuals interested in learning more about the services provided by Open Broadband can sign up for their regular updates at https://openbb.net/gloucesterco/#service-request.