City of Huntington Broadband Board
OVERVIEW
Many people in America, especially in Appalachia, face difficulties connecting to the internet. This digital divide perpetuates a long history of inequality in the region. To address this issue, the Huntington City Council established a high-speed internet service for all residents within the city and up to 20 miles beyond its boundaries. This service, known as the Huntington Broadband Utility, is owned by the City and managed by the Huntington Broadband Board.
The Huntington Broadband Board is chaired by the Mayor and includes two additional members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. An Executive Director also supports the Board's efforts.
MEETINGS
The Huntington Broadband Board regular meeting is at 1:30 p.m. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at City Hall Council Chambers.
Meetings of the Board are open to the public and are streamed on local access television and the City of Huntington’s Facebook page.
THUNDERCLOUD
Thundercloud, Inc. is a West Virginia nonprofit corporation Section 501 (c)(4) organized and operated for the promotion of the social welfare of communities in West Virginia. Thundercloud’s goal is to deploy high-capacity broadband in a broad regional network that reaches underserved areas, boosts economic development, and connects hospitals, schools, libraries, police and fire departments, EMS, and anchor institutions including Marshall University. Thundercloud will improve broadband access to businesses and residents in the 9-county Advantage Valley region of West Virginia by helping businesses retain workers, expand business investment and jobs, and diversify with high-speed broadband.
Click Here Learn More About Thundercloud
Phase 1 Fiber Construction Map
FIBER TO HOME PROJECT
In 2024, the City of Huntington Broadband Board entered into a Broadband Development agreement with Thundercloud, Inc., a West Virginia nonprofit, to deploy high-speed broadband to Huntington's most underserved communities. With this funding, Thundercloud will extend its fiber-to-the-home network to three neighborhoods: Highlawn, West Huntington, and Fairfield. This expansion will not only improve the reliability of internet services in these areas but will also create opportunities for additional internet service providers (ISPs) to operate. By introducing more ISPs, residents will have better access to competitive pricing and a wider range of service options, ensuring that everyone in these communities can benefit from reliable, high-speed internet.