Residents and businesses in Bland and Montgomery counties can now sign up for high-speed internet.

The grant funding will allow for up to 8,822 new connections for unserved citizens and businesses throughout the county.

The $3.2B Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on qualifying Tribal lands.

The extended broadband network will bring fixed wireless broadband access to 1,292 serviceable units, including 44 businesses in Allegheny Springs, Elliston, Lafayette, and Shawsville.

The results will be used to determine next steps in addressing broadband issues in Montgomery County.