Broadband Authority Holding Hearings on New FCC Maps; Challenges Due January 13 

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority will hold listening sessions across the commonwealth beginning tomorrow to give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to learn about the Authority, federal funding for broadband, and the important role they have in reviewing the new Federal Communications Commission’s broadband access map. The map’s accuracy is crucial for the commonwealth to receive sufficient federal funding to ensure high-speed internet access for all Pennsylvanians. Challenges to the maps are due January 13, and townships interested in ensuring that residents currently not served by land-based broadband have an opportunity for funding should visit the maps, provide input to the Authority, and submit challenges to inaccurate data. 

“In today’s world, having access to high-speed internet is a necessity,” said Authority Executive Director Brandon Carson. “Pennsylvanians need broadband access for school, work, and to ensure public safety, and it is critical that we close the digital divide across the commonwealth. The more accurate we can make the FCC map, the more we ensure we get a fair allocation of federal funding to expand broadband.” 

The FCC’s broadband access map shows all broadband serviceable locations across the United States where fixed broadband internet access service is or can be installed. The commonwealth’s allocation of funding for broadband deployment under the federal infrastructure law is dependent upon the map being accurate. Township officials should visit the map to search for their communities to determine whether the information listed by the FCC is accurate, specifically those areas in need of land-based broadband service. Click here to learn more about challenges, which anyone can submit, and here for the map. 

Here are the dates and locations for these in-person sessions. Hybrid sessions will allow for in-person and virtual participation. Registration is needed for virtual participation. Click here for specific locations and registration information. 

• December 13 at 10 a.m. in Beaver County 
• December 13 at 2 p.m. in Somerset County 

• December 14 at 10 a.m. in Venango County (hybrid) 
• December 14 at 2 p.m. in Elk County (hybrid) 
• December 15 at 10 a.m. in Luzerne County (hybrid) 
• December 15 at 2 p.m. in Tioga County (hybrid) 
• December 16 at 10 a.m. in Union County (hybrid) 
• December 19 at 11 a.m. in Chester County