Pennsylvania's Plan for Affordable Broadband

Through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, established by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pennsylvania was allocated over $1.1 billion to deploy or upgrade high-speed Internet networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service. On May 14, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority's initial BEAD plans. The Development Authority can now request access to funding and begin implementation of the BEAD program. The state has one year to submit a Final Proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure universal broadband coverage. The overarching goal is to deploy broadband networks that reach every American and provide access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet. Working with NTIA, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority must ensure that service providers using BEAD funds provide a low-cost option to eligible subscribers and address middle-class affordability. BEAD guidelines prioritize proposals that improve affordability to ensure that networks built using taxpayer dollars are accessible to all Americans.