4 days ago
Expanding internet access to more rural parts of the Midstate
(WHTM) — Governor Josh Shapiro has expressed a need to expanding internet access across Pennsylvania since his election.
This — as many areas have gone with unserved or underserved internet access for some time.
'We want to get internet where there is a lack of it, where there is a need for better solutions,' said Tim Beiler, the CEO & Co-founder of Upward Broadband.
And that's exactly what Beiler and his team were able to accomplish for more rural parts of the Midstate.
'Upward Broadband was started about six years ago in Lancaster County, because of the need we saw in the rural communities where you got out of the suburban and the urban areas and there were no good internet options.'
Under the first Broadband Network Completion project, a new communications tower was built in Lancaster County.
'I understand, is the very first one to be completed anywhere in the state of Pennsylvania,' he added. 'It provides fast, reliable service, speeds up to 500 megabits per second to serve over 20,000 locations.'
Beiler told abc27 News, this wouldn't have been possible without the Pa Broadband Infrastructure Program.
'We are responsible for distributing federal and state funding that will support Broadband expansion in unserved and underserved communities across the Commonwealth,' said Kalie Snyder, Outreach & Engagement Manager for the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. 'Through the American Rescue Plan Act, Pennsylvania was awarded $279 million, and we committed $204 million of that money to create the Broadband Infrastructure Program. This program is helping to expand internet access across the state. Closing the digital divide. One project at a time.'
Beiler also thanks elected state leaders for their support.
'I am proud to share that one of the most bipartisan things we can accomplish in a divided house and senate and with a democrat governor is rural broadband,' added Rep. Dave Madsen of Dauphin County. 'Everybody should have access to the internet fast, affordable internet.'
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