NORFOLK, Va. — Virginia is getting nearly $1.5 billion to increase access to the internet, thanks to the "Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act." The funding from the Biden Administration will head to cities and counties across the Commonwealth.
Now, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development must determine how it will allocate the money around the state, including here in Hampton Roads.
The City of Norfolk is working to figure out how to give all Hampton Roads residents the chance to take advantage.
Councilwoman Andria McClellan said money will be distributed based on a map from the Federal Communications Commission. However, she believes funding should be based on resident demand.
"Based on FCC maps, which we're going to challenge, that's what this test is all about. Based on those FCC maps, less than one percent of Hampton roads will be eligible for this $1.48 billion," said Councilman McClellan.
She said currently, internet providers share information about internet services in the Hampton Roads Region with the FCC. So, the City of Norfolk is encouraging its residents and others across the area to rate their internet service by taking a survey.
"The FCC currently defines broadband speeds as 100 megabytes per second download and 20 megabytes per second upload, and if you have internet service but don't have those speeds, you'd be considered underserved," McClellan said.
To access the survey, you must log onto connectingvirginia.com. You can access the survey on your PC, laptop, phone or iPad.
"The city and the region, our goal is not only to be considered the port of Hampton Roads but also as a digital port," McClellan said.
The deadline to complete the survey is November 30th.