Published: August 29, 2008 04:46 pm            

Last-mile connection — Fiber-optic backbone key to growth

The $2 million funding award approved last week by the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority will allow for the long-awaited “last-mile connections” for the region’s new fiber-optic broadband backbone project.

The broadband project has been under construction for more than two years, and connects several Southwest Virginia counties in both the Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco planning districts. It even extends nine miles through West Virginia near Bluefield before reconnecting with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The last-mile connections involve the actual connections of the broadband line with businesses and telecommunication industries across Southwest Virginia that will utilize the high-speed service. The actual fiber-optic backbone construction across Southwest Virginia had to be completed first before the last-mile connections could occur, according to VCEDA Executive Director Jonathan Belcher.

Belcher said the $2 million grant will allow for electronic upgrades and last-mile connections in both planning districts. Belcher said an example of a last-mile connection is a large-scale call-center currently under construction in Buchanan County that will create about 400 new jobs when fully operational. Belcher said several projects in Tazewell County also will benefit from last-mile connections.

We welcome the $2 million funding investment in the last-mile connections, and we applaud the efforts of local, state and federal officials who have worked tirelessly in recent years to develop the high-speed fiber-optic backbone project.

Segments of the broadband line have already been activated, including a leg of the project extending near Bluefield, Va.

As we prepare for the development of the Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park in Tazewell County, and continue to fight for technology-based jobs across Southwest Virginia, the availability of the high-speed broadband service will be crucial.

Ten years ago, modern roads, water and sewer facilities were considered essential infrastructure for job creation and retention. Now, broadband is included on the list of required infrastructure necessary to attract and retain modern industry.

The completion of the fiber-optic backbone will put Southwest Virginia officials in a much better bargaining position when it comes to fighting for new technology-based jobs. We welcome the last-mile connections.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.