Pennsylvania Bolsters Digital Connectivity with $20 Million Federal Investment

LaptopImage via Pixabay

HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a major stride towards digital inclusion, securing a $20 million federal investment aimed at providing high-speed, affordable internet access for all citizens. The funding is designated for purchasing technology devices such as laptops, which will be distributed to schools, libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, and other non-profits. These organizations will then make the devices available to individuals who currently lack the necessary technology to access the internet.

This move is an integral part of Pennsylvania’s digital connectivity program, backed by the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Funding. The program, overseen by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), aims to bridge the digital divide that has left many Pennsylvanians without reliable internet access.

Brandon Carson, Executive Director of PBDA, stressed the importance of this initiative, saying, “When communities don’t have reliable broadband access, they often rely on anchor institutions like libraries, schools, and community centers to provide it.” He added that the new program would ensure children and adults alike have the technology they need for remote learning, accessing telemedicine, and participating fully in a digital economy.

Pennsylvania’s digital connectivity program is being developed with input from community stakeholders, and the Commonwealth is working on a streamlined approach to purchase and distribute the devices to community partners like small libraries and municipalities.

Across Pennsylvania, more than 276,000 households, businesses, schools, and libraries currently lack access to broadband. To combat this, the Commonwealth will receive over $1.16 billion in federal funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This funding will help expand broadband access in unserved and underserved areas, ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet.

In addition to the BEAD funding, the Commonwealth also received $200 million through the Capital Projects Fund Broadband Infrastructure Program and $45 million through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program. These funds will be used for community projects to construct, acquire, or improve facilities that are open to the public and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.

These investments will provide the Shapiro Administration with the resources it needs to connect Pennsylvanians to the internet, ensuring they can go to school, start and grow businesses, and access telemedicine no matter where they live. This move is a significant step towards closing the digital divide and fostering digital inclusion across Pennsylvania.

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