HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced that the 48th Senatorial District is being awarded nearly $9.5 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48).
“Without reliable, high-speed internet access, people of all ages cannot succeed to their full capacities. Students’ learning is limited – particularly when they need to do so remotely – and employers cannot operate in a manner customers have come to expect,” Gebhard said. “This grant will go a long way to resolving our internet limitations.”
Serving Lebanon and Dauphin counties, Upward Broadband LLC will receive nearly $1.5 million. Comcast Cable Communications LLC is being awarded nearly $6 million for Berks County. Frontier Communications Parent Inc. will receive nearly $2 million for Lancaster County.
Made feasible by the federally funded Broadband Infrastructure Program, a total of $200 million in competitive grants was awarded for projects across the state lacking 25/3 Mbps internet service, as highlighted by Gebhard.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the PBDA mandates quarterly and annual progress reports from grantees, accompanied by comprehensive guidance on state and federal requirements and technical support. All funds must be utilized by Dec. 31, 2026. Grantees will be held accountable for the prudent expenditure of awarded funds. The PBDA has the ability to claw back any unused or misused funds.
This inaugural round of grants represents a significant milestone in the PBDA’s broader initiative to close the digital divide since the General Assembly established the PBDA in 2021.
CONTACT: Matthew Urban, 717-787-5708