PITTSBURGH — More than $1 billion in federal funding has been earmarked to improve connectivity in Pennsylvania, as a process begins to identify homes and businesses without access to high-speed internet.
They are eligible for funding under the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is part of the federal government’s Internet for All initiative.
“Children who grow up in homes without internet connectivity have lower GPAs. They are less likely to pursue higher education,” said Evan Feinman, BEAD program director. “Seniors cannot age in place without an internet connection.”
The Pennsylvania Broadband Office and NTIA will work with Internet service providers to build or upgrade networks and infrastructure. The first step in the process is to update and refine the current federal broadband data map, which will show where broadband is available.
“These are not bullseyes around the city. These are paint splatters,” Feynman said. “Neighbors who don’t have access to the internet are closer than you think, and they want it badly.”
In Pennsylvania, 10% of households do not have access to a device. Data shows that 13% of the state’s population does not use the Internet, and 11% of households do not have Internet access or devices.
But to get the most accurate information, your help is needed. Feynman encouraged people to contact the state’s broadband office.
“If the broadband map says your home has broadband access but it doesn’t, you need to speak up and be counted because unfortunately there’s only one chance to fix this before we start building and I don’t want to To see people being left behind,” Feynman said.
Visit internetforall.gov for more information.
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