The West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council was established in code during the 2017 Regular Legislative Session and signed into law by Gov. Jim Justice. The Broadband Enhancement and Expansion Polices set the many directives for the Council and the development of broadband infrastructure in primarily the unserved and underserved areas of the State.
The West Virginia Legislature has enacted polices designed to promote broadband development in other sections of the WV Code. This includes:
The Broadband Loan Insurance Program ensures the repayment of debt on capital costs related to broadband service in specific cases.
The Dig Once Policy creates incentives to create spare conduit or opportunities to lay fiber in a joint trench. This Code includes accommodating telecommunication facilities in W.Va. Division of Highways rights-of-way.
The Wireless Technology Business Property Valuation Act provides for the valuation of towers constructed or erected between July 1, 2019 and July 1, 2024.
West Virginia legislation that clarifies the Public Service Commission does not have jurisdiction over companies that offer Voice over Internet Protocol telephony services.
The Small Wireless Facilities Deployment Act allows wireless providers to collocate small wireless facilities and install, modify, or replace utility poles for such facilities in public rights-of-way.
Cable franchising in West Virginia is subject to licensing by the State or municipality.