The federal Internet for All initiative recently awarded Pennsylvania $6.6 million to support broadband deployment in underserved areas in the state.
This is the first of more than $100 million in federal funding the Pennsylvania Broadband Authority will manage.
Funding will be allocated to two programs.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program will receive $5 million to expand high-speed internet access. It will achieve this through adoption programs, infrastructure deployment, and funding planning.
The Digital Equity Act will receive $1.6 million to ensure residents have the skills, technology, and capacity to benefit from a digital economy.
“Pennsylvanians understand that unequal access to the Internet means unequal access to educational, economic, and healthcare services and opportunities,” U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said. “These grants will put Pennsylvania on the path to equitably achieve high-speed Internet service for all residents. I commend Governor Wolf for his commitment to the ‘Internet for All’ initiative to provide digital equity across Pennsylvania.”
The broadband authority recently released the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Broadband Plan. The plan focuses on the state’s challenges and opportunities, such as device and technology access, digital equity and affordability, digital literacy, improving broadband service infrastructure and availability, and technical support.
Currently, there are up to 800,000 unserved Pennsylvanians.