(FRANKLIN COUNTY, VA) – Franklin County is getting help from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to expand its broadband network.

The Commission recently awarded $650,000 to Franklin County in state funding from the Commission’s Last Mile Broadband program.

The money will help pay for the installation of about 30 miles of new fiber throughout the county.

The Franklin County Broadband Authority will partner with Shentel, a telecommunication company, to provide last mile fiber to unserved and underserved residential areas within the county. The broadband expansion will provide internet service to about 460 homes. The fiber extensions are expected to begin late 2019.