Armstrong Celebrates Major Broadband Milestones in West Virginia, Demonstrating the Benefits of Public-Private Partnerships

HAMLIN, W.Va. — Sept. 10, 2026 — Armstrong, a family-owned and operated fiber broadband provider serving communities across six states, joined federal and state leaders today in Hamlin to celebrate a major milestone in the expansion of high-speed fiber broadband across rural West Virginia, and underscore the impact of public-private partnerships in connecting the state’s most remote communities.

Through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, West Virginia’s Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) Program, and FCC’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Enhanced ACAM) Program, Armstrong is deploying more than 500 miles of fiber infrastructure that both expands broadband access to over 5,000 unserved locations and sustains reliable service for approximately 10,000 rural homes and small businesses. The combined effort represents more than $100 million in both public and private investment in the future of West Virginia. “For 80 years, we’ve made long term investments in the communities we call home,” said Jeff Ross, President of Armstrong. “We’re proud to expand broadband access to even more families and businesses through public-private partnerships alongside our state and federal partners here in West Virginia.”

Armstrong marked these milestones today at its Connecting Country Roads event in Hamlin, alongside Governor Patrick Morrisey, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty, NTIA representatives, West Virginia Office of Broadband leadership, community partners, and Armstrong President Jeff Ross.
“Reliable broadband is essential to creating jobs, improving access to healthcare, and making sure West Virginians can build a future in the communities they call home,” said Governor Morrisey. “I applaud Armstrong’s commitment to rural West Virginia and the investment it is making to reach communities where expanding broadband can be difficult. Working together, we are connecting more families and businesses and creating new opportunities across our state.”

Delivering on the Promise of Public-Private Partnerships
Bringing fiber broadband to every corner of West Virginia presents unique challenges. Long distances between homes and businesses, rugged Appalachian terrain, and limited existing infrastructure can substantially increase the complexity and cost of construction. As a result, public-private partnerships play a critical role in making high-speed connectivity possible in some of the state’s hardest-to-reach areas.

“Expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential to ensuring that all West Virginians, regardless of where they live, can access the opportunities that broadband provides. I know how critical this connectivity is, and that is why I’ve used my role in the U.S. Senate to create programs dedicated to providing reliable broadband, and fight for the resources West Virginia needs to make this service possible,” Senator Capito said. “I’m proud of partnerships with providers like Armstrong, who continue to be an important part in our continued effort to close the digital divide and move toward a more connected West Virginia.”

Broadband Expansion Progress
• LEAD projects are substantially complete, expanding fiber connectivity across Armstrong’s West Virginia service area.
• Enhanced ACAM deployment is ahead of schedule and will support broadband access for approximately 10,000 rural homes and businesses.
• BEAD projects are beginning, with Armstrong expected to connect roughly 1,000 additional unserved locations across five counties over the next four years.

“From economic opportunities to telehealth to artificial intelligence, all Americans need the benefits of broadband,” said Olivia Trusty, FCC Commissioner. “Partnerships among providers like Armstrong and federal, state, and local policymakers are key ways to ensure timely broadband deployment in even the most rural, hard-to-reach areas.”

The partnerships celebrated at the Connecting Country Roads event are narrowing the digital divide by pairing public investment with Armstrong’s boots-on-the-ground experience, private capital, and long-term commitment to connect families, businesses, and communities across rural West Virginia.

About Armstrong
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Butler, Pennsylvania, Armstrong is a family-owned company on a mission to keep our communities connected with internet you can count on and the people you trust. Our advanced fiber network reaches more than 500,000 homes across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, and New York, all backed by a U.S.-based, 24/7 customer care team and the kind of local service that has made us a hometown name for 80 years.