The $1,200-per-household cost is about $500 more than what a federal grant program spends to subsidize broadband expansion in rural areas. One Pocahontas County broadband project recommended for state funding would cost about $10,000 per household.
"Clearly West Virginia taxpayers have an interest in the prudent use of their funds," said Frontier Communications executive Dana Waldo, who also serves on the Broadband Council. "Cost should be a concern."