HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has provisionally awarded $42.7 million to expand broadband access in Bedford, Fayette and Somerset counties.
“Consistent access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity for families, students, workers and businesses alike,” said Stefano. “This investment is a major step forward in closing the digital divide in southwestern Pennsylvania. I’m grateful that PBDA recognizes expanding broadband access creates greater economic opportunity and an overall better quality of life for everyone.”
The funding is part of Pennsylvania’s nearly $800 million allocation through the federally funded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which represents a historic effort to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the commonwealth. As a provisional award, all projects remain subject to final federal approval and acceptance by the actual applicants.
The funds will be matched by the applicants including Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications, Comcast, BrightSpeed, eCommunity Holdings LLC, IBT Group LLC, SpaceX, Verizon North LLC and VitaLink LLC.
The provisional award will help connect unserved and underserved households, schools and businesses in Bedford, Fayette and Somerset counties. It will also support programs that make service more accessible for families, expand access to digital tools and resources, and create new opportunities for workforce development and economic growth.
For additional information, please visit PBDA’s website.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri