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Board directs staff to oppose Brightspeed extension request and to alert state and local legislators
Summary
Campbell County staff said the state was evaluating a one‑year extension request from Brightspeed for a federally funded broadband project; citing repeated performance problems and incomplete permits, the board directed county staff to send formal objections to the state agency and local legislators and to pursue alternatives (including Firefly) if Brightspeed fails to complete work.
County staff reported that the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development was considering a one‑year extension request from Brightspeed on a federally supported broadband project that includes Campbell County. Staff said Brightspeed’s extension request included limited evidence of completed permitting and that county residents have continued to report service interruptions, including loss of landline phone service in some areas.
"We have a real problem with that, haven't been impressed with their service or responsiveness," the county’s chief administrative speaker said, asking the board to endorse a staff letter opposing an extension and to copy the county’s legislative delegation.
Supervisors directed staff to prepare and send a formal objection to the state and to contact local legislators; staff noted a timing complication because the county’s local match for other broadband projects was ARPA money that must be obligated by year‑end. Staff also flagged the possibility of reallocating the county’s local match toward an alternative provider if Brightspeed receives additional time but still does not deliver.
Next steps: staff will draft the letter to DHCD and the county’s legislative delegation and circulate it to board members; the county will monitor the state decision and explore alternative uses of local ARPA broadband funds if needed.
