Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) has 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 comes from Pennsylvania’s nearly $800 million allocation through the federally funded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. This program aims to bring high-speed internet across all areas of the state. The award is provisional, pending final federal approval and acceptance by applicants.
Applicants expected to match the funds include Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications, Comcast, BrightSpeed, eCommunity Holdings LLC, IBT Group LLC, SpaceX, Verizon North LLC, and VitaLink LLC.
The award will help connect unserved and underserved households, schools, and businesses in the three counties. It will also support programs that make service more accessible for families and expand digital tools and workforce development opportunities.
More information can be found on PBDA’s website.
