Palmyra, Virginia — Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia
Electric Cooperative (CVEC), is proud to celebrate 7 years of service and progress in bringing
world-class internet to rural communities. Since its founding in 2018, Firefly has grown from a
bold idea into a regional leader in broadband—with nearly 40,000 connections and a mission-
driven approach that puts customers first.
Born out of a need for reliable, high-speed internet across CVEC’s 39,000-member service
territory, Firefly was built from the ground up to deliver simple, transparent service—no
contracts, no data caps, and symmetrical speeds that don’t slow down. After completing its build
to CVEC members, Firefly turned outward, expanding access to thousands more in surrounding
counties.
In 2021, Firefly launched its Regional Internet Service Expansion (RISE) project, a massive
initiative that spans 13 counties and will bring fiber broadband to more than 70,000 locations. The
RISE project is a unique public-private partnership, supported by county investments and state
and federal grant funding. The effort has been described as a “handmade rural country quilt,”
with each patch representing collaboration and commitment from communities and partners.
From a four-person startup to a team of more than 40 employees, Firefly continues to prioritize
local service and strong customer relationships.
“Seven years ago, we set out to bridge the digital divide in central Virginia,” said Gary Wood,
Firefly President & CEO. “Today, we’re seeing the difference that access makes—for families,
students, remote workers, healthcare, security, and businesses. Our team, our partners, and the
communities we serve have all played a role in this journey. We’re 40,000 connections strong and
still growing.”
As Firefly looks to the future, its focus remains on expanding access, enhancing service, and
staying true to its core values: local, reliable, and fair broadband for all.
