Major companies pledge $1.5M for broadband expansion

Dominion Energy Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. — formerly Facebook — Glen Allen-based Primis Bank and Petersburg-based The Cameron Foundation have collectively pledged more than $1.5 million to expand broadband access across Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday.

The funding will contribute to efforts to extend service to 233,000 Virginians who lack access to broadband.

“These investments will play a vital role in connecting thousands across the commonwealth,” Northam said in a statement. “We are thrilled to see the private and philanthropic sectors recognizing the need for broadband access and stepping up to support getting as many Virginians connected as soon as possible. With these investments, our goal of universal broadband by 2024 is even closer.”

The Cameron Foundation has pledged $1.15 million to support broadband expansion in Sussex and Dinwiddie counties. For expansion across the state, Meta has pledged $250,000, and Primis Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of McLean-based Primis Financial Corp., $200,000, along with Dominion Energy’s contribution.

In total, Virginia has generated $2 billion in funding to close the digital divide by 2024, according to a news release. American Rescue Plan funding provided $700 million of that investment. Since 2017, Virginia has spent more than $124 million in grant funds to connect over 140,895 homes and businesses, more than halving the digital divide in broadband access.