Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, to Conduct Internet Audit Ahead of Funds

With the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program's (BEAD) $42 billion to expand high-speed internet access across the country, Lehigh County officials will audit municipalities to assess the state of residents’ internet access and report the county’s needs to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. Two main issues highlighted by county officials during the COVID-19 pandemic are the accessibility to, and equity of, broadband service. Rural communities in Lehigh County struggle with access to broadband and urban communities struggle with the affordability of broadband. To address these issues, Lehigh County will leverage the canvassing capabilities of local broadband providers: Astound and Service Electric. Joanne Guerriero, vice president of marketing and sales for the Pennsylvania market of Astound, said she agreed that affordability and accessibility have been issues for local communities, and that Astound would be open to any partnership or discussions with local municipalities to improve those conditions. Though, it is unknown when the county will be ready to report to the state, as they continue to seek partners to assist with the audit process in the next couple of months.