Bedford County closer to improving internet speeds

Leaders are scheduled to vote Monday on the next step

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Bedford County is taking a step toward increasing access to high-speed internet. Monday, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to approve a company to complete a broadband assessment.

A committee chose the Atlantic Group of Companies out of four interested consulting groups. County Administrator Carl Boggess says the Board could sign off on the company during its Monday meeting and has $50,000 set aside for the assessment.

“We really want to help education and commerce, also help public safety through making sure deputies and responders have adequate internet coverage,” Boggess said.

The assessment could take three to six months.

“It would definitely help the county in its goal for economic development,” he said. “That's what the board is about. We want to help the private sector, we want to help economic development."

One important decision will be whether the county wants to run the program itself or have a private provider come in.

A large part of the county doesn't have access to high-speed internet.

“It's very annoying because I like watching Netflix and stuff like that and I can't pick it up,” Sylvia Cunningham said.

"The service is very spotty. You may have some days it's pretty good. Most of the time it's not,” Mike Cyrus said.

The plans could include installing towers that broadcast a signal in addition to adding fiber optic cables.