Citizens Telephone First to Complete Fiber Build in Southwest VA
Citizens Telephone Cooperative is proud to announce the completion of its county-wide fiber-to-the-home construction project, marking a significant milestone in Southwest Virginia. In August 2024, Citizens will become the first company in the region to offer a 1 Gbps fiber connection to every home in Floyd County. This achievement underscores Citizens' commitment to providing cutting-edge internet services to its community.
To celebrate this accomplishment, Citizens invites the public to join a community event on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 220 Webbs Mill Road in Floyd, Virginia. Festivities will kick off at 5 pm with axe throwing and yard games and food trucks offering a variety of meals, snacks, and drinks for purchase. The evening will culminate with live music by local lead singer Jerry Wimmer and The Worx starting at 6 pm.
Established in 1914, Citizens has grown from its roots to become a leader in telecommunications. The completion of this 10-year fiber project, initially launched in 2017 with over a $40 million investment, reflects Citizens' dedication to enhancing broadband access in underserved areas. By leveraging FCC, ACAM, and VATI funding, Citizens accelerated the project timeline, completing it ahead of schedule in six and a half years.
"We are thrilled to bring Gigabit fiber services to every resident of Floyd County," said Donna Smith, CEO & General Manager of Citizens. "This project is a testament to our ongoing commitment to technological advancement and community service."
Citizens was recognized as a Certified Gig-Capable Provider by NTCA in 2018 and has actively participated in state and federal initiatives such as VATI, CARES, and LECAP funding to expand broadband access. The cooperative's fiber project exceeded $40 million. The extensive network spans 715 miles across Floyd County, passing over 10,000 homes. Nearly 4,500 residents and businesses have connected to the 1 Gbps service.
"Our dedication extends beyond technology; it encompasses supporting education and healthcare initiatives in our community," Smith emphasized. "It is important to us that every home has sufficient broadband for their needs. We aim to provide reliable services that empower our customers and communities."