House advances broadband legislation

The state House of Representatives recently advanced legislation creating a Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority to facilitate funds anticipated from the $1.2 trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The state expects to receive at least $100 million initially with the potential to obtain more after the authority develops a statewide plan for broadband expansion.

More than 800,000 Pennsylvanians lack access to reliable, high-speed internet. Of those, more than 520,000 live in rural areas where Internet connectivity speeds are substantially slower than urban areas.

House Bill 2071 creates the authority, which would expire after six years, and establishes its duties. The authority would identify access to funding sources and help coordinate joint efforts for broadband buildout. It would also serve as point of contact for parties interested in developing broadband or having broadband developed, helping to minimize duplication and maximize the use of existing infrastructure.

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to the high-speed internet that broadband provides. It allows people to do their jobs, participate equitably in school and healthcare, and helps people stay connected. However, in many rural communities the infrastructure for broadband does not exist. That leaves people without internet access or service that does not meet acceptable speeds,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement.

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will deliver a total of $65 billion for broadband infrastructure, Wolf said.

“The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority created by this bill will help to manage a minimum of $100 million in federal aid the state will receive for the broadband rollout in a coordinated and strategic way to support the construction of new towers, lines and broadband equipment. This represents a generational change for many rural communities to close the digital divide, improve equity and cost and bring the opportunities that broadband provides to more homes, schools and businesses,” Wolf added.

Wolf has made access to broadband a priority. His administration created the Office of Broadband Initiatives. This year, $5 million became available through the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program, and 126 schools and libraries were awarded $20.6 million through the Emergency Connectivity Fund to ensure students have access to the digital devices.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.