U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito questioned Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about how West Virginia can get high-speed internet to rural areas more affordably and what happens if internet providers fail to deliver on their commitments.
During a Senate hearing, Senator Capito raised two key concerns: the high cost of permitting and pole attachments that slow broadband expansion, and what states should do if internet providers back out of projects. Secretary Lutnick assured the senator that the Department of Commerce will help states replace providers who fail to meet their obligations and will reject unreasonable demands from companies.
In November 2025, the federal government approved West Virginia’s plan to use $224 million in broadband funding to expand high-speed internet access through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The program funds planning, deployment and workforce training to connect underserved communities across the state.
“The cost of permitting and pole attachments is a real barrier to getting broadband out quickly. We need these funds to help offset those costs so rural communities don’t get left behind.” –Senator Shelley Moore Capito