HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has announced a pivotal step in its efforts to expand broadband access statewide. On Friday, PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson revealed that the Commonwealth’s $1.16 billion allocation from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program will begin accepting applications for its first round of funding on November 22, 2024. The application period will remain open until January 21, 2025.
The BEAD Program, part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is designed to provide states with critical funding to deploy broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, ensuring high-speed internet connectivity for all Americans. Pennsylvania is among the leading states to capitalize on this program, becoming the 10th state in the nation to initiate the funding process.
A Historic Investment – The Commonwealth’s $1.16 billion broadband initiative, announced in June 2023 by Governor Josh Shapiro and PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson, represents a landmark investment in digital infrastructure. The initiative aims to make high-speed internet available to every Pennsylvanian by the decade’s end. “We’ve worked closely with local government leaders, state and federal officials, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to design this program, and we’re excited to launch it,,”Carson said in his announcement. “For far too long communities lacking internet access have had to make difficult decisions about how to educate their children, where they’re able to work, or how to get their medical care. We have the funding needed and are ready to invest in a variety of technologies and networks of all sizes to provide high-speed internet to all corners of the Commonwealth.”
Since securing the historic funding, Pennsylvania has aggressively pursued federal support to accelerate the program’s rollout. PBDA has worked closely with the federal government and other stakeholders to finalize guidelines and ensure the timely distribution of funds.
Application Process and Goals
The first round of applications, open for two months, invites service providers, municipalities, and other eligible entities to submit proposals for broadband expansion projects. The PBDA is prioritizing projects that target unserved and underserved areas—communities with limited or non-existent access to high-speed internet. Applicants must detail their plans for infrastructure development, project timelines, and strategies to address affordability and equity concerns. The PBDA will evaluate submissions based on their potential to deliver sustainable, high-quality broadband services to the most vulnerable populations.
Addressing the Digital Divide
The need for broadband expansion in Pennsylvania is urgent. According to recent data, an estimated 800,000 Pennsylvanians lack access to reliable high-speed internet, with rural and low-income areas most affected. The BEAD Program aims to address these disparities by funding projects that deliver last-mile infrastructure, improve affordability, and promote digital literacy. Governor Shapiro emphasized the transformative impact of broadband access in a statement earlier this year: “Broadband is the foundation of modern life, touching everything from education to healthcare and economic growth. By expanding broadband, we are building stronger communities and ensuring every Pennsylvanian has a fair chance at success.”
Moving The Needle
As Pennsylvania launches its BEAD Program, the state’s leadership underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. PBDA has engaged with local governments, service providers, and community organizations to ensure that the program aligns with Pennsylvania’s diverse communities’ unique needs. The upcoming application window is a critical step in the broader mission to close the digital divide. With the Commonwealth’s proactive approach and the significant federal investment, Pennsylvania is poised to serve as a model for broadband deployment nationwide.
