More than $13.4 million in federal funding has been designated to expand broadband access in Erie County, according to an announcement from Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49). The funds come through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and will be used by several providers, including Amazon Kuiper, Armstrong Telecommunications Inc., CoreConnect, and SpaceX.
The awarded amount totals $13,454,375.53 and is intended for projects that target areas of Erie County still lacking reliable high-speed internet service. The expansion will use both fiber and satellite technologies to improve internet connectivity for households and businesses.
“This investment is a major step toward closing the digital divide in Erie County,” Laughlin said. “Reliable broadband is essential for education, healthcare, economic growth, and everyday life, and I’m proud to see these resources being directed to the residents of our community.”
The funding awards are provisional pending final approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). During NTIA’s review process there may be changes or applicants may opt out of certain projects or areas; if so, funding could shift to other ranked projects.
The BEAD Program is funded at the federal level but managed in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. Its goal is to make affordable high-speed internet available throughout the state.
For more information contact Chris Carroll at 814-453-2515.
