Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative

Overview

Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative is a nonprofit organization based in Bracey, Virginia, founded in 1951. The cooperative has been providing telephone and broadband services to households and businesses in Southern Virginia for over seven decades[1][5].

History and Services

BIT has traditionally operated a wireline network and managed a significant number of telephone access lines in parts of Mecklenburg and Brunswick counties. The cooperative launched its wireless broadband service in an adjacent area of Virginia in early 2010. It offers local, long-distance, broadband, and other communications services to more than 4,000 subscribers[1][5].

Broadband Expansion

BIT has been involved in expanding its broadband services through various initiatives. The cooperative received significant federal funding for its BIT Wireless Broadband Initiative, which aimed to bring high-speed affordable broadband services to 15 underserved counties and cities in South Central Virginia. This project focused on enhancing existing networks to offer wireless broadband at speeds of up to 10 Mbps to numerous households, businesses, and community institutions[5].

Merger with EMPOWER Broadband

In 2019, it was announced that Buggs Island Telephone Cooperative would be acquired by EMPOWER Broadband, a for-profit broadband subsidiary of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, in a move to strengthen broadband delivery in the region. This merger was supported by a majority of BIT's members and was seen as a strategic move to leverage resources and improve Internet access across Southside Virginia[3].

Technology and Partnerships

BIT has utilized technology from partners like BEC Technologies to expand its cellular, broadband, and Wi-Fi services. These partnerships have allowed BIT to provide reliable and high-speed internet access to underserved communities by deploying advanced wireless broadband solutions[4]. The cooperative also collaborated with other organizations to provide enhanced telemedicine capabilities and support for distance learning initiatives[5].

Environmental Impact

When expanding its services, BIT focused on minimizing environmental impact by using existing cell towers and ensuring that all ground disturbances were confined to previously disturbed areas, thus avoiding impacts on soil, water, or biological resources[1].

Community Impact

The expansion of broadband services by BIT has had significant socioeconomic benefits, particularly in rural areas where high-speed internet was previously unavailable or unreliable. This has supported economic development and improved access to essential services and educational resources[1][5].

[1] https://www2.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/grantee/1946_buggs_island_final_ea_executive_summary.pdf [2] https://www.bbb.org/us/va/bracey/profile/telephones/buggs-island-telephone-cooperative-0603-21015719 [3] https://www.electric.coop/electric-co-op-acquiring-phone-co-op-to-pool-broadband-resources-for-members [4] https://bectechnologies.net/2019/09/24/case-study-buggs-island-telephone-cooperative/ [5] https://www2.ntia.doc.gov/sites/default/files/grantees/BTOP_BuggsIslandTelephoneCoop.pdf