West Virginia is expected to be one of the first states to receive broadband expansion due to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised the recently released federal guidance released by the U.S. Department of Commerce that aims to cut red tape for applicants and utilize a technology-neutral approach with states exploring options, including fiber, satellite, wireless and mobile to get broadband services to rural and underserved communities, according to a release from the Office of the Governor. State officials, alongside the DOC and Office of Broadband, are expected to announce the next steps to comply with the updated guidance and finalize the state’s plan.