# Virginia Seeks Rural Broadband Providers

RiverStreet Communications of Virginia, operating as RiverStreet Networks, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2026 after Virginia removed it from broadband deployment projects over delays and incomplete work. Regional officials are seeking replacement providers to complete rural fiber projects in Amelia, Bedford, Campbell, Charlotte, Nottoway, and Pittsylvania counties. The cited project combines $33.5 million in state-administered grant funding with $59.4 million in matching funds; connections have been completed for about 35% of 27,997 potential customers.

- The project represents a substantial opportunity for providers able to take over and complete fiber deployment across the six counties; procurement planning should account for the existing partial build and unfinished scope.
- Companies evaluating the work should assess their ability to deliver the remaining connections and coordinate a transition from the removed incumbent. Federal deadlines may affect the transition schedule, although no specific dates are provided.
- The bankruptcy and project removal highlight execution and schedule risks in grant-funded broadband deployments, making delivery capacity and continuity important considerations for government stakeholders and prospective providers.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Virginia Commonwealth broadband office
- Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI)
- Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Bankruptcy Court

### Vendors
- RiverStreet Communications of Virginia (RiverStreet Networks) (incumbent)

### Sources
- [RiverStreet Networks, which lost its contracts to deploy broadband in multiple Virginia localities, files for bankruptcy | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society](https://www.benton.org/headlines/riverstreet-networks-which-lost-its-contracts-deploy-broadband-multiple-virginia) - Benton Institute for Broadband & Society