SOVA INNOVATION CENTER FOR TV WHITE SPACE BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN BEDFORD
Center Follows Successful Launch of TV White Space Network in Charlotte and Halifax Counties
Bedford, VA – Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. and Adaptrum officially launched the SOVA Innovation Center for TV White Space Broadband Development today in Bedford County. The center will support research and development of TV White Space technology to provide affordable broadband service in Virginia and other unserved areas.
The Innovation center will advance technology already in use in Charlotte and Halifax Counties. The project, known as the ‘Homework Network’ will allow thousands of students in Charlotte and Halifax to access high speed Wi-Fi at no cost. The network is being launched with the help of $500,000 in grant funds from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. By the end of 2017 3,000 students in 1,000 homes will have access to their schools’ online networks as a result of the project.
Tobacco Commission Research & Development Committee Chair, Delegate Kathy Byron said, “Broadband access is crucial for students and is an important factor in attracting jobs and investment to rural areas. This center will help expand broadband access to those who need it and continue to develop this innovative White Space technology.”
Adaptrum will utilize the facility as their East Coast Research and Development headquarters. They plan to partner with local universities, including Virginia Tech, to advance White Space technology as well as develop and test new products.
Tobacco Commission Executive Director, Evan Feinman added, “For far too long, rural Virginia’s children haven’t had the same access to the internet as their peers in the suburbs. This project is an important step toward correcting that inequity.”
Contact: Jordan Butler
Telephone: 804-786-7692
Cell: 757-692-0878
Email: jordan.butler@tic.virginia.gov
Website: www.tic.virginia.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/15/17