Broadband Advisory Board Update 

Please click on the link above to view latest Broadband Information!

Shining a Light on the Service of Local Veterans

Since 1954 when November 11 was proclaimed as Veterans Day, calling on the nation to “solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

In the nearly seven decades since, millions more Americans, including residents of Mathews County have bravely taken up the call to protect and serve. This November 11, we will come together as a nation on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate these brave individuals who have served our country in uniform. 

Now more than ever, our veterans and their families need our support. In a time when our country is divided on so many issues, we can all agree that these public servants who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude. That’s why this year Mathews County is joining the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) in launching Operation Green Light for Veterans, an initiative designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans.

Roughly 250,000 members transition out of the armed services each year. In the period following separation from the military, service members face the challenge of transitioning to a post-military civilian life. Tragically, evidence suggests that transitioning veterans are at higher risk for suicide, yet they often do not receive adequate support and resources. Veteran suicides have claimed over 30,000 lives since 2001 alone—four times more than the number of U.S. military personnel who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

As part of Operation Green Light for Veterans Mathews County is illuminating our County Buildings and Offices green beginning in early October to remind the veterans and their families in our community that we are here for them. We encourage individuals and businesses to join us by changing one light bulb in the entryway of your house or business to a green bulb.

By shining a green light, you let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. While this event is focused on the week of Veterans Day (November 7th-13th), we encourage individuals to continue to shine the light year-round.

Operation Green Light is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the resources available to veterans and their families.   This Veterans Day, join us in shining a light of hope and support. Join Operation Green Light and let’s turn Mathews County green for our veterans.  

 If you would like more information or have any questions please contact Judi Green  jgreen@mathewscountyva.gov  

These are the addresses for the VATI Grant with Open Broadband.  They will have access to  fixed wireless service off of the North End Tower.
June 22, 2022

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  This new benefit  provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.   

Dear BAB members, stakeholders and all who have asked to be included,

At last night's Board of Supervisors meeting, I launched this program with the news for all of Mathews.  

EVERY Mathews resident should check their eligibility!

Every Mathews County Public School student is eligible!

Both of our broadband providers have partnered with the FCC to provide this program:  Breezeline and Open Broadband.  Both providers are almost ready to offer close to 700 more homes access.