CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is spotlighting her newly enacted Rural Broadband Protection Act, saying the law will help ensure internet providers deliver on their promises to rural communities that rely on federal broadband funding.
In an op‑ed published by the Washington Times, Capito — a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation — wrote that the law strengthens oversight of companies seeking support through the Federal Communications Commission’s high‑cost programs. The measure requires more rigorous vetting of providers before they receive federal dollars to expand service in hard‑to‑reach areas.
Capito said the legislation builds on her long‑running Capito Connect initiative, launched in 2015 to improve broadband access across West Virginia. She noted that while billions in federal resources have been secured, too many providers have failed to follow through on commitments to expand service.
“Time and time again, internet service providers have come to West Virginia and promised a fix to our connectivity issues using federal resources we’ve fought to secure,” Capito wrote. “Too often, these assurances have failed to materialize.”
The Rural Broadband Protection Act, signed into law last month, aims to prevent that by ensuring federal funds go only to companies with a proven ability to deploy broadband in rural and mountainous regions like Appalachia. Capito said the law reflects years of conversations with small rural providers and residents who have struggled with unreliable service.
By tightening accountability, Capito said the state can better capitalize on the influx of broadband investment and move closer to closing the digital divide.
“West Virginians keep their word,” she wrote. “And it’s time internet service providers do the same.”
Capito serves on the Senate Commerce, Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and Rules committees, and chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
