Events Calendar

BEAD Fiber Build Coordination Kickoff 

(Accomack & Northampton, Trail’s End)

Tuesday | April 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Virtual

Virginia 811, hosted by the Broadband Support Specialists, is convening the first Broadband Coordination Roundtable to bring together member utilities, utility locators, and contractors on the Eastern Shore to prepare for upcoming BEAD-funded broadband projects.

As broadband expansion accelerates, early coordination is critical. This virtual meeting provides an opportunity to align stakeholders, open communication channels, reduce delays and rework, and reinforce safety and best practices. Developed with the Eastern Shore Broadband Authority, the roundtable supports smoother project execution and stronger collaboration across all participants.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Key stakeholders involved in underground utility work on the Eastern Shore — especially those who plan, coordinate, or execute projects. Participants include:

• Eastern Shore of VA Broadband Authority (ESVBA)
• Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD)
• Member utilities
• Excavators and contractors
• Utility locators
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• State Corporation Commission (SCC)

AGENDA:

1. Project Overview & What to Expect

• Overview of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program timeline
• Types of work entering the region (cable, fiber and satellite)
• Initial geographic focus areas (where the work is starting)
• Key constraints, including locate workforce capacity and how impacts may vary by region
• Goal: Ensure everyone understands the scope, timing, and potential pressure points.

2. Stakeholder Perspectives & On-the-Ground Insights

• Input from locators, utilities, and contractors
• Regional insights, including Eastern Shore activity
• Locator company perspectives
• Goal: Share real-world challenges, align expectations, and identify gaps early.

3. Action Items

• Identify action items as they arise
• Assign responsible parties for follow-up
• Establish timelines and expectations
• Clarify points of contact for unanswered questions
• Share and exchange contact information
• Goal: Leave with clear ownership, defined next steps, and no loose ends.

4. Open Q&A & Coordination Support

• Open discussion and problem-solving
• Identify coordination needs across stakeholders
• Connect attendees with the right resources
• Points of contact
• Follow-up coordination
• Ongoing support as work progresses
• Goal: Ensure everyone knows who to contact and how to move forward.

By aligning expectations early, we can keep projects moving safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

RSVP HERE:  https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/adrs89h

⏱ 60-Second Overview