Fiber Internet is Coming to Essex! (Updated 12/19/2024)

Broadband Project Update 12/19/2024

Take a look at the map above to see how the project is progressing in your area!

Some key pieces of information of which you should be aware:

1. To make sure your address is part of the project, please reach out to Breezeline via the address portal (https://events.breezeline.us/essexcounty-youhaveachoice/original_page)! If internet difficulties impede your ability to fill out the web form, please call the County GIS office at 804-443-3490 and we’ll type in the info you relay to us over the phone!
2. If you live down a long driveway/private road, make sure the owner of the road gives Breezeline permission to come down the road!
3. If you have non-Miss Utility buried features (sprinklers, electric fences, etc), let Breezeline know so they don’t inadvertently find them! 

The number of electrical poles (to which the aerial internet cables attach) that need major repairs or replacement is very high. While not yet an issue, Breezeline is keeping an eye on the potential of this to cause delays. Statewide, 80% of projects are experiencing delays because of this pole make-ready step. Even once poles are approved for replacing, it takes time to actually make the repairs/replacements. Once the poles are in place, the aerial attachment process is very quick.

The alternative to attaching to the pole is to lay the cables underground. If the cost of providing service to a stretch of houses is cheaper by going underground than by replacing power poles and attaching to them, then underground is the approach to use. Breezeline has to wait for the cost estimates of making the poles ready for attachment before they can make that determination.

GEV20 is testing going underground for an entire region, which is why it has shifted to the pink color. It will likely have the VDOT permissions by early-mid January.

The Loretto switch should be up and running in early 2025 (by late February). Progress is expected in the Dunnsville and Center Cross switches in early 2025 (March timeframe). Note: the switch being active is a necessary step to providing service to the area, but does not mean the area will turn green on the map. The cables will still need to be networked to homes.

Link to previous broadband announcements:

https://www.essexva.gov/community/page/fiber-internet-coming-essex-updated-10222024