BARC Executive Named To Broadband Advisory Council

MILLBORO — BARC Electric Cooperative CEO  Mike Keyser has been appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to the Virginia Broadband Advisory Council.
The council advises the governor on policy and funding priorities to expedite deployment and reduce the cost of broadband access in the commonwealth. 
The council is comprised of eleven members: four legislators, two ex-official members, five citizen members, the secretary of technology, and the secretary of commerce and trade and aligns with Northam’s initiative to expand rural Internet service to populations in Virginia currently in need.
“Being appointed to this advisory council gives electric cooperatives a seat at the table to establish policies that will move the governor’s rural broadband initiative forward,” said  Keyser. “I look forward to working with our government and business leaders to ensure the commonwealth is headed toward a connected Virginia for all.” 
Keyser also works with the commonwealth connect team established in 2018 by Northam to create a comprehensive effort in achieving universal broadband access to all Virginians. 
Additionally, Keyser was appointed to the GO Virginia Region 8 Board in 2019 giving the cooperative and BARC’s electric and broadband service areas a voice in economic development issues where broadband plays a huge role.