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After GigaBeam stops service, supervisors ask wireless authority to convene and weigh BEAD options
Summary
Board members asked the county's wireless service authority to meet quickly to find options for residents losing internet or phone coverage after GigaBeam discontinued service; staff also discussed coordinating with regional BEAD/VDAP applicants instead of starting a separate county application.
A supervisor moved and the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors approved a request for the county’s wireless service authority to convene “as soon as possible” to explore options for residents who will lose internet and/or phone coverage following GigaBeam’s discontinuation of service.
“I move to request the wireless service authority to convene as soon as possible to discuss options to provide support to residents who will lose Internet and or phone coverage as a result of GigaBeam's discontinued service,” the motion said (speaker 2). The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Board members had discussed broadband strategy earlier in the meeting, and staff (speaker 4) recommended coordinating with Cumberland Plateau and other regional applicants on BEAD/VDAP rather than attempting to lead a separate county application. Staff told the board Cumberland Plateau and other regional groups have existing applications and that the county could seek to have its areas included by working with those applicants.
The board also discussed a separate executive‑session agenda item: contract negotiations with GigaBeam about resuming service in specific valley areas. The executive session notice cited Virginia Code provisions for contract negotiation and indicated invitees for the closed meeting included staff with technical or legal knowledge. The public action after that closed session was the motion to ask the wireless authority to convene and explore resident support and coverage options.
The board did not adopt a specific replacement plan at the meeting. Staff said they would follow up and coordinate with regional partners, the wireless authority and potentially with state grant administrators; any programs requiring funding or contract changes would return for board approval.
The board scheduled a virtual meeting on Feb. 11 to discuss BEAD-related deadlines and possible participation by county representatives, and staff said they would send meeting details to supervisors and attend where possible.
