The House Consumer Affairs Committee recently voted to advance two bills that would address broadband access in rural communities.
House Bill 2438 would speed up the deployment of broadband networks by allowing rural electric cooperatives to use their existing infrastructure to run fiber lines for broadband service.
House Bill 2348 would create a grant program to fund broadband service projects.
The program would be supported by $5 million re-allocated from an existing tax credit program. Eligible recipients would include local development districts, rural electric cooperatives, and other nongovernmental applicants that can operate broadband services. Preference would be given to those in areas with limited internet access.
“Our rural electric cooperatives are looking to become partners in the expansion of broadband, doing the very same thing they did a century ago with the electrification of rural Pennsylvania,” Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), who co-sponsored of the bills, said. “This bill would help to simplify the process by letting them use their own poles, even if broadband is not specifically referenced in right-of-way agreements.”
The bills move to the full House for consideration.
House Bill 2348 was sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), and House Bill 2438 was sponsored by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter).