BHJ surveying residents on broadband connectivity

WEIRTON -- Internet access has become an almost integral part of today's society, yet not all areas have available or affordable service.

The Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission is in the process of hosting a series of public listening sessions aimed at polling area residents about such internet availability in the Northern Panhandle.

The effort is being undertaken as part of the Internet for All West Virginia program, through the West Virginia Office of Broadband and the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council.

"It's been a big issue here for a long time," explained Craig Brown, community development specialist with the BHJ.

The listening sessions are being held throughout communities in Hancock and Brooke counties, with residents invited to sit down and respond to questions about the type of service available to them, as well as any difficulties they may have with the service, the cost of the service, how they typically access the internet and their reasons for accessing the internet.

"We're trying to get into the smaller communities," Brown said, noting responses from the sessions will eventually be forwarded to officials in Charleston as part of continuing efforts to expand broadband access in the state.

Upcoming listening sessions include:

11 a.m. today, Bethany Community Center, 326 Church St., Bethany

3 p.m. today, Chester Veterans of Foreign Wars, 417 W Carolina Ave., Chester

11 a.m. Monday, Lynn Murray Memorial Library, 601 Railroad Ave., Chester

1 p.m. Monday, Swaney Memorial Library, 210 S. Court St., New Cumberland

10 a.m. April 13, Newell Lions Club, 510 Washington St., Newell

6 p.m. April 13, Beech Bottom Volunteer Fire Department, 13 3rd St., Beech Bottom

10 a.m. April 17, Brooke County Senior Center, 948 Main St., Follansbee

Previous sessions were held at the Brooke County Public Library and its Follansbee branch, and the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.