Pennsylvania is one of the first states in the nation to begin accepting applications for BEAD funding.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration are moving quickly to connect every Pennsylvanian to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.
Harrisburg, PA – This past Friday, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced the Commonwealth’s $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is open and accepting the first round of funding applications through January 21, 2025.
In June 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro and PBDA Executive Director Carson announced the Commonwealth’s historic BEAD program funding to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure high-speed internet is available to every Pennsylvanian by the end of the decade. Last week, Pennsylvania became just the 10th state in the nation to begin accepting applications for this funding.
Ensuring every Pennsylvanian can connect to the internet is critical for students who want to learn, patients in rural communities who want to see their doctor, and small business owners who want to find new customers and succeed in Pennsylvania. That’s why the Shapiro Administration is moving quickly to solicit applications and drive out this historic funding to the communities that need it most.
Per federal guidelines, the BEAD program will consist of two, 60-day application periods for eligible entities to apply for funds to construct high-speed internet networks to areas that lack service. Dates for the second application period in 2025 will be announced.
Resources for applying to the BEAD program, including webinars and FAQs, can be found on the PBDA’s BEAD Program Page.
Read what elected officials and others are saying about the launch of Pennsylvania’s BEAD Program:
ELECTED OFFICIALS:
Senator John Kane: “I’ve been proud to work with the PBDA to ensure our constituents finally receive the broadband services necessary to compete in a digital world. Through these BEAD grants, we took strong steps to make sure we have the best trained workers receiving fair wages and benefits for their services as a way to protect our investment in future generations. As the world’s technology and connectivity advances, we are ensuring that Pennsylvania doesn’t get left behind.”
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill: “The opening of Pennsylvania’s BEAD program application process marks an opportunity for every community to have access to high-speed internet. Pennsylvanians challenged the FCC’s broadband map, ensured their needs were accurately represented, and secured more than $1 billion to close the digital divide. Now it’s time for local leaders, businesses, and organizations to step up, apply, and make high-speed internet a reality for every Pennsylvanian.”
Representative Robert Matzie: “We’ve made significant strides towards making broadband more available and accessible across Pennsylvania. But there is more work to do. The opening of the first round of BEAD funding is another huge step in that effort.”
BROADBAND PARTNERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS:
Lisa Davis, Director and Outreach Associate Professor of Health Policy and Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health: “The comprehensive assessment and planning process for the BEAD funding will assure that all geographic areas of Pennsylvania will receive the support needed to gain or increase access to high-speed broadband. This will be of tremendous benefit to patients located in rural and remote areas and will ensure that they can access the health care services they need.”
Stephen DeFrank, Chairman, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission: “This federal funding presents an enormous opportunity to expand broadband infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. With the application window now open, we’re another step closer to providing reliable, high-speed internet to those that don’t have access.”
Chris Hoffman, President, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau: “Reliable and affordable broadband is no longer a luxury in today’s society. For businesses to grow and thrive, they must have a dependable internet source. Agriculture is no different. Farmers are increasingly implementing precision agriculture technologies on their farm to increase their crop yields and better livestock health. Generally speaking, though, farmers need access to broadband because businesses are using the rise of the digital world to better connect with consumers. Despite most farmers living in rural parts of the Commonwealth, they should not be put at a disadvantage just because of their geographic location. Marketing their products on social media or a website to conducting business calls on a virtual platform to collecting data on their dairy herd’s health by using activity monitor collars to using drones to precisely apply weed control on their fields are all examples of why farmers need reliable broadband. Often times due to the remote locations of farms, farmers may be able to find a dependable internet provider, but the cost is outrageous. This is why Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) is proud to support the Broadband Equity Access and Development (BEAD) program. We look forward to the application process and will be engaging farmers and agribusinesses to apply for the funding as this historic $1.16 billion investment will be crucial to growing and improving the Commonwealth’s agriculture industry.”
Dr. Kyle C. Kopko, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and PBDA Board Member: “The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a critical step in bridging the digital divide across Pennsylvania, especially in our underserved rural communities. With 13.2% of rural households in Pennsylvania still without internet access and only 81.7% using broadband services like cable, fiber optic, or DSL, this initiative will help ensure that more rural areas can fully engage in necessary digital connectivity. As the bulk of BEAD funding is streamlined to these underserved regions, we can expect long-term positive impacts for our rural communities in the Commonwealth.”
Lisa Schaefer, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania: “The opening of applications for the BEAD Program marks a key milestone for Pennsylvania counties, as expanding broadband access to bridge the digital divide and drive economic growth across the commonwealth remains a top priority for counties. Counties look forward to continuing to work with our state partners in driving out these critical funds into our communities.”
Sherri L. Smith, Ed. D., Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators: “The opening of the BEAD program is a tremendous opportunity for our communities and students across the Commonwealth! Efficient high quality internet services should be available to all Pennsylvania regions, no matter what your zip code. The BEAD grants are a big step forward in providing online opportunities and resources for our schools, students, and underserved parts of the state.”
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