High-speed internet access is a necessity. It helps to ensure public safety, increases opportunities for businesses and workers, and provides an equal opportunity for students.
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program (a BEAD Overview fact sheet is also available.) is providing $42.45 billion for states, territories, the District of Columbia (D.C.), and Puerto Rico (P.R.) to use for broadband deployment, mapping, and adoption projects. Pennsylvania has been awarded $1.16 billion in federal BEAD funding.
In June 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania will receive more than $1.16 billion in federal funding under the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA). The PBDA completed a 5-Year Action Plan to meet federal requirements. This plan, which informs both residents and partners of the Commonwealth’s efforts to bridge our digital divide, was approved in October 2023.
Federal guidance also requires the completion of an Initial Proposal: Volume I & Volume II. Volume I has been approved. It outlines existing broadband funding, unserved/underserved Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs), Community Anchor Institutions, as well as the challenge process for BEAD funding. Volume II has been approved. It outlines local coordination efforts, subgrantee selection process, implementation activities, labor standards and workforce readiness, low-cost service options, middle-class affordability, and more.
