PHOTOS: Capito Celebrates Major Broadband Milestone in Hamlin

HAMLIN, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined federal and state leaders in Hamlin, W.Va., for “Connecting Country Roads,” an event hosted by Armstrong celebrating the company’s ongoing broadband expansion efforts to deploy 500 miles of fiber infrastructure to over 5,000 unserved locations and sustains reliable service for approximately 10,000 rural homes and small businesses. This investment was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program that Senator Capito helped author and secure funding for West Virginia as well as through West Virginia’s Line Extension Advancement and Development (LEAD) Program, and FCC’s Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model (Enhanced ACAM) Program. During the event, Senator Capito highlighted the critical role broadband plays in strengthening rural communities and emphasized the impact public-private partnerships have had in bringing reliable, high-speed internet to more West Virginians. “Expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential to ensuring that all West Virginians, regardless of where they live, can access the opportunities that broadband provides. I know how critical this connectivity is, and that is why I’ve used my role in the U.S. Senate to create programs dedicated to providing reliable broadband, and fight for the resources West Virginia needs to make this service possible,” Senator Capito said. “I’m proud of partnerships with providers like Armstrong, who continue to be an important part in our continued effort to close the digital divide and move toward a more connected West Virginia.” “For 80 years, we’ve made long term investments in the communities we call home,” Jeff Ross, President of Armstrong, said. “We’re proud to expand broadband access to even more families and business through public-private partnerships alongside our state and federal partners here in West Virginia.” BACKGROUND: For years, Armstrong has invested in broadband expansion throughout West Virginia through a combination of state and federal programs, including the BEAD, LEAD, and Enhanced ACAM programs. Armstrong is continuing to expand its fiber network to reach more unserved areas while helping provide reliable broadband service to rural homes and small businesses. These efforts represent a significant investment in our state’s broadband infrastructure and future connectivity. Photos from today’s event are included below: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivers remarks at Armstrong’s “Connecting Country Roads” event in Hamlin, W.Va. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits with FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty at Armstrong’s “Connecting Country Roads” event in Hamlin, W.Va. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends Armstrong’s “Connecting Country Roads” event in Hamlin, W.Va. on Thursday, September 10, 2026. # # #