An obscure state law could blunt the impact of up to $1 billion in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion. · Spotlight PA

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The Disconnect

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An obscure state law could blunt the impact of up to $1 billion in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion.

In parts of rural Pennsylvania where internet speeds lag, some local governments are building their own broadband networks.

An obscure state law could blunt the impact of up to $1 billion in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

Federal officials want the money to benefit publicly-owned networks, but Pa. law gives phone companies a “virtual veto.”

A rural building with a cell tower in the background.

Obstacles abound as Pa. plans for surge of federal broadband funding

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

According to the most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission, 4% of Pennsylvanians can’t get internet access at broadband speeds. That number rises to 13% in rural areas.

New maps will help decide where up to $1 billion in federal money goes for Pa. broadband expansion

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

Broadband equipment installed on a tower in Bedford County, part of a new regional initiative in the Southern Alleghenies to improve internet access.

A fight over public records could threaten novel approach to broadband in rural Pennsylvania

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania’s definition of broadband was once ahead of the curve. But lawmakers failed to raise the speeds in the early 2000s and the state standard later fell significantly behind the federal one.

Pennsylvania’s definition of broadband hasn’t changed in nearly 20 years

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

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