Loudoun County Communications Commission Meeting - July 28, 2026

This all-virtual meeting of the Loudoun County Communications Commission convened at 7:00 PM on the date provided (agenda and transcript indicate July 27, 2026; the assigned date is July 28, 2026 per instruction). Key actions included welcoming new Commissioner Mohammed Beg, approving the agenda and minutes (with one abstention), discussing the status of the commission's annual report before the Board of Supervisors, closing several outstanding action items, and receiving updates on broadband deployment.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda approved unanimously (no objections).
• Minutes from May 12, 2026 approved with Commissioner Jason Kennedy abstaining; no other objections.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed up to speak.

Discussion Items

• Annual Report Status: Chair Ron DeSilva reported that the commission's annual report was placed on the consent agenda for the Board of Supervisors' Budget and Business Committee meeting in mid-July. Chair of that committee, Supervisor Bisckman, opted to defer the report to the September Board of Supervisors business meeting (approximately September 9), stating that the commission needed additional time to work on the report. DeSilva sent an email seeking clarification but received no response. Deputy CIO Brian (staff liaison) noted he reached out to his reporting chain (Deputy County Administrator Monica Spells and Tim Street) for guidance on coordinating with board offices but had no new direction. Commissioner Tom Solitario emailed his supervisor encouraging discussion of the report; Commissioner Kennedy met with his supervisor (Chris Numstead) who had no comment. Commissioner Greg Stone contacted Supervisor Sylvia Glass about six weeks prior and received a noncommittal response. DeSilva plans to attend the September business meeting to represent the commission.
• Commission Purpose: New Commissioner Mohammed Beg asked about the original mandate. DeSilva explained that the commission was created around 1998 to serve as a bridge between the public and cable franchisees (Comcast, Verizon). Its role was broadened in approximately 2012 to include over-the-top video services, and later addressed wireless and broadband issues in western Loudoun. After franchise renewals were handled without commission input, the body has been redefining its purpose.
• Broadband Deployment Update (Patrick Ryan's inquiries):
  • The DHCD extension for fiber buildout has been approved through December 2026; the county counter-signed documents.
  • VDOT and All Points have agreed on a process to limit monthly right-of-way permit applications, with one VDOT staffer assigned to All Points applications in Loudoun County.
  • Regarding construction progress: the county reports 125 miles of last-mile fiber constructed, while the VATI dashboard shows 44% completion of total fiber mileage. Ryan noted the discrepancy; staff could not explain the difference, stating their numbers come from monthly reports to DHCD.
  • Nearly 800 addresses in Fiber Area Two are eligible for broadband; as of about one week prior, 167 addresses had active service.

Key Outcomes

• New Commissioner: Mohammed Beg (Algonkian District) officially joined the commission; introductions were made.
• Action Items Closed:
  • Item #269 (telecommunications applications list for 2025–2026) was closed after staff provided the requested list.
  • Items #249 and #254 (outstanding franchise questions for Verizon that received no response) were closed without further action.
• No New Action Items: All previous items are now closed; no new ones were generated.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 28, 2026 (subject to the Board of Supervisors' schedule). The commission will not meet in August due to county recess.
• Direction on Annual Report: Commissioners are encouraged to engage with their supervisors before the September business meeting. Staff will continue coordinating with county administration and supervisor offices to prepare for the report's presentation.