Historically underserved by commercial providers, the area between I-80 and the states northern border needs help to provide last mile service to nearly a million households in 32 rural counties. The proposal would create conditions for providers to come into areas where no one entity can now afford to go, aiding 202,000 businesses, 1,222 public safety agencies, 1,180 educational entities, and 255 health care facilities.
At present, broadband reaches few customers in the north central area, says Jim Swanson, director of information systems for the North Central Pennsylvania planning commission, comprising six counties.
“Its sporadic. Weve got large pockets with no service, pockets with dial-up, then an area with tier one DSL,” he says. “The focus of the problem is its not true broadband. You cant put up a factory that needs 4 MGs of bandwidth.”
The state Office of Administration has applied for $28.7 million to pay part of the $35.9 million cost of the project, which would boost network capacity and enhance existing networks, including cables, wires, towers, antennae and other microwave and land-based infrastructure. It is part of a $108 million state application that includes broadband projects for schools and universities, libraries, businesses, first responders, and the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. State spokesman Steve Weitzman says a decision on first-round funding is expected in November.
Sources: Jim Swanson, Steve Weitzman
Writer: Chris OToole