VIRGINIA TELECOMMUNICATION INITIATIVE
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development has opened the application period for a new funding round. This year, DHCD has updated the VATI program guidelines for this funding round with a new program design that includes a streamlined process for deployment projects and – per budget language adopted in the 2026 General Assembly Session - additional eligible use (AEU) projects related to make-ready and under grounding work, mandated relocation for infrastructure in public rights-or-way, and restoring telecommunications infrastructure damaged in a major disaster.
Currently, DHCD is only accepting applications for deployment projects. Deployment applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for AEU projects will be accepted beginning April 7, 2027. AEU applications will be reviewed every three months, allowing for two review periods on July 7, 2027 and October 6, 2027.
Review the Updated VATI Guidelines
VATI Application Timeline:
October 7, 2026 – Deployment Application Period Opens (rolling application, DHCD will review as applications are received)
April 7, 2027 – Additional Eligible Use (AEU) Application Period Opens
July 7, 2027 – AEU Application Review Period #1
October 6, 2027 – AEU Application Review Period #2
October 7, 2027 – Deployment and AEU Application Period Closes
VATI How-To-Apply Webinar Slide Deck
VATI How-To-Apply Webinar Recording
VATI Challenge Process
Each deployment project application submitted will be subject to its own 30-day challenge window beginning on the date the application is posted for review.
Submitted applications, along with a corresponding link to the location CSV on the Open Data Portal, will be posted below for public review and potential challenge. Those who wish to submit a challenge must do so through the VATI inbox, vati@dhcd.virginia.gov.
Applicants and challengers are encouraged to review the VATI Program Guidelines for detailed information regarding the challenge process, including the required materials and documentation that must accompany a challenge submission.
For additional information, please refer to the VATI Program Guidelines and materials available on the VATI webpage or reach out to Office of Broadband staff at vati@dhcd.virginia.gov.
| Applicant | Project Area Localities | Internet Service Provider (ISP) Partner | Challenge Window Start Date | Challenge Window End Date | Link to Application | Link to Shapefiles |
| Craig County | Craig County | PemTel | Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 | Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026 | Application | Shapefiles |
| Southside PDC | Brunswick County | Empower Broadband | Monday, Nov. 9, 2026 | Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026 | Application | Shapefiles |
VIRGINIA TELECOMMUNICATION INITIATIVE PROJECT DASHBOARD
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) Project Dashboard for projects funded in the FY21 and FY22 program cycles. The dashboard reports on key project progress indicators, including dollars expended and locations provided broadband access. The dashboard is designed for residents and other stakeholders to stay informed on the progress of projects in their areas to provide broadband access.
