Broadband Internet Services - FAQs

Broadband Internet access is defined in terms of providing data transfer rates equal to or greater than 768kb in at least one direction: downstream (from the Internet to the user's computer) or upstream (from the user's computer to the Internet).

Any public body, as defined by §2.2-4301 and referenced by §2.2-4304 of the Code of Virginia; or any private institution of higher education which are listed at http://www.cicv.org/Our-Colleges/Profiles.aspx, may use the VITA broadband Internet services contracts to obtain services for Internet access. The contracts are setup for services to be ordered through VITA unless authorization is granted by VITA to utilize the contracts and order directly from the contract suppliers.

These contracts have been established via the competitive bid process as outlined in the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). The pricing and service options available should be competitive with other pricing vendors may offer through the bid process.

Users of these contracts are protected by the contract terms and conditions, including defined service level agreements and cancellation clauses. Early termination fees are excluded. The contracts include options for both month-to-month services that do not require the user to commit to terms and 3-year service commitments for extra savings. These contracts also offer flexibility in that they provide a variety of technologies and services and bandwidth options ranging from 768kb to 10,000mb download data rates.

Localities will find these contracts beneficial since sourcing has been completed without you expending resources and time to manage the competitive bid process.

Aggregating demand for IT services on state contracts increases the state's leverage position for negotiating services, terms and rates. This supports overall cost management and cost reduction initiatives across all state agencies and public bodies in the commonwealth.

The broadband services contracts provide a variety of technologies and services with a wide range of bandwidth options from 768kb up to 10,000mb (megabits per second).

The broadband services and pricing tool allow you to enter the ZIP code for the geographic location that the broadband services will be installed, and returns a list of services available in your ZIP code.

Use the table below to consider the amount of bandwidth needed to support your business applications and number of users for the Internet connection.

Pricing for broadband services are based on the technology type and bandwidth tier. Customers ordering services through VITA will incur a surcharge. Note that all technology types will not be available in all areas of the state.

Use the broadband availability tool to view the broadband service options and pricing available in your ZIP code.

These contracts represent an expansion of broadband technologies and services currently available on state contract to provide coverage throughout the commonwealth. For various reasons including lack of business development and funding, not every area of the commonwealth has options for all technology types, however every zip code in the state has at least one available broadband technology.

If a state agency or public body desiring to utilize the VITA contracts is not able to find a contract option that meets the entity's needs, please contact VITA Supply Chain Management to discuss other options for obtaining the needed service.

Yes, television services are available and ordered as outlined below.

Yes, some contracts include options for unlimited voice services. The voice service is a flat rate voice business line that includes basic voice mail features and unlimited local and domestic long distance services. These voice services will be available only as an “add-on” service option in conjunction with broadband internet services. Voice services are not available as a standalone service. There are some restrictions for Executive Branch agencies.

PRI services are also available on some broadband contracts. Use the broadband availability tool to view the voice services and pricing available in your ZIP code.

Yes. There are several options available including the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite category which was added to the broadband contract in March 2024. State agencies or public bodies can use the broadband availability tool to view the satellite broadband service options and pricing available by ZIP code. 

Latency or delay has always been a negative aspect of traditional satellite services; however, LEO satellite service provides low latency internet access. This new service is suitable for small, remote offices or facilities where traditional internet service is unavailable, as well as mobile command post and temporary locations.

Both Starlink and OneWeb are available for customers in this category. The satellite service is available statewide, with both fixed location and mobile oriented offerings available for customers to choose from. The new offerings are provided by IP Access International which has held a VITA contract for satellite services since 2019.

Starlink offers video guides and OneWeb has solutioning white papers available on their websites for additional product information. Note: Installation is designed to be self-installed. Agencies can choose to engage a professional installer. For contract related queries, email TCSM@vita.virginia.gov.