Broadband Caucus holds briefing to provide updates on internet expansion efforts

The legislative Broadband Caucus held a briefing Tuesday, led by state Reps. Pam Snyder (D-50th District) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-93rd District), to provide updates on efforts to bring modern, high-speed internet to parts of the state that lack adequate service.

“We’re happy to see everybody rowing this boat in the same direction,” Snyder told the approximately three dozen attendees. “Hang in there with us … we’re going to get this thing done.”

Gov. Tom Wolf recently launched an initiative that aims to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to high-speed internet by 2022, which would require connecting approximately 370,000 housing and business units.

“This is obviously a large project with very aggressive goals,” Mark Smith, executive director of the state Office of Broadband Initiatives, said, noting the importance of partnerships between state and federal agencies and the private sector.

Four officials from the state Public Utility Commission and two officials from the state Department of Community and Economic Development also participated in the briefing.

Commissioner Norman J. Kennard said funding is the primary challenge facing the broadband expansion initiative. The average annual cost to provide modern internet in rural areas is $507 per connection.

“We think that this is vitally important,” Sheri Collins, deputy secretary of the Office of Technology and Innovation, said. “I want to applaud you for organizing this effort.”