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Pa. releases strategy for universal broadband access

(Source: National League of Cities)

Pennsylvania’s Broadband Development Authority released its plan this week for increasing statewide broadband access and close the state’s digital divide.

Coming in at a slim 16 pages, the plan is a general, high-level document, offering broad goals and action steps around “challenge areas and opportunities” in four categories:

  • Service infrastructure and availability
  • Device and technology access
  • Digital equity and affordability
  • Digital literacy and technical support

The Broadband Development Authority is charged with coordinating a statewide plan for broadband enhancement. In the plan, it defines its goal as “achieving universal broadband access in Pennsylvania” that meets or exceeds federal standards.

Doing so, it says, will bolster Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness, expand educational access, support reliable emergency services and enhance community wellbeing.

It has considerable amounts of money at its disposal, including at least $100 million from the infrastructure law signed by President Biden in November 2021. The state has millions more available from the American Rescue Plan Act.

The authority’s plan cites U.S. Census data indicating that at least 2.6 million Pennsylvanians, equivalent to 26% of all households, either lack broadband access, have not adopted it or lack the skills to use it effectively. Their number includes 25% of Latino and 35% of Black households.

An estimated 1.6 million Pennsylvania households lack a computer or smart phone, while 1.2 million of the state’s adults lack basic digital literacy skills.

Locally, the Economic Development Co. of Lancaster County has been pushing for the development of a comprehensive countywide broadband strategy. The EDC is an affiliate of the Lancaster Chamber that is charged with promoting recruiting and retaining companies and promoting economic development.

Ezra Rothman, the EDC’s director of strategic initiatives and partnerships, said he didn’t have much to say about the state’s plan, given its level of generality, but that he’s glad it emphasized the issues of Internet affordability and adoption, as those are concerns that are prevalent locally, according to recent research and the EDC’s discussions with stakeholders.

The Broadband Development Authority said its plan is a “live, iterative document” and will continue to evolve.