Even in 2023, plenty of obstacles remain in the way of a reliable and affordable internet connection for many area residents.
Cellular dead spots. Living in areas so remote that no company has ventured to run any cable that far. The simple inability to afford the monthly expense.
Recognizing the issues this causes for both residents and businesses, lawmakers have lobbied in recent years to improve access in rural areas.
The federal Digital Equity Act was reintroduced in 2021 to promote digital inclusion and equity for all communities. The legislation provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) with $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that “promote digital inclusion and equity to ensure that all individuals and communities have the skills, technology and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) website.
In the commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has developed a proposed Digital Broadband Expansion Plan in pursuit of a piece of that federal funding.
PBDA has opened the public comment period — through Jan. 8 — for residents to submit feedback regarding the statewide plan and their internet access, challenges with or, in some cases, the complete lack thereof. PBDA will then compile and present these public comments as supporting evidence to secure federal funding.
Because submitting feedback digitally is difficult where internet service lags or, again, doesn’t exist to begin with, interested residents can request a printed version via postal mail contacting Mary Markle at (717) 720-7454. Upon receipt of the printed copy, individuals can call the PBDA directly at (717) 214-7708 to provide comments.
For those with internet access, the plan is available for review at the PA DCED website. Click Programs & Funding, Broadband in Pennsylvania, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Digital Equity (DE) Act. Submit comments via the link to the online survey form on that page.
Individuals who need assistance in submitting feedback can contact PBDA at (866) 466-3972.
Sen. Cris Dush, R-Brookville, strongly encourages citizens to make their voices heard.
“Rural Pennsylvanians, especially the citizens I represent in McKean County and surrounding areas, have been suffering from the total lack of interest of major broadband providers for far too long,” Dush said. “This unfortunate digital divide negatively impacts families, schools, local governments, hospitals, job-creating businesses and numerous properties that are used for various agricultural, forestry, natural gas or utility purposes — all of which are increasing overall demand for affordable and reliable broadband access. Your feedback is essential to keeping rural broadband expansion projects moving forward across Northwest Pennsylvania and beyond.”
“Expanding broadband infrastructure is proving to be every bit as critical to our rural communities as our utilities and transportation infrastructure,” Dush said. “Without question, expanded access to high-speed internet service will help retain existing employers and make our region more appealing for future development and job creation. As a result, submitting your input to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will have an immediate and lasting impact.”
