Broadband Initiatives
As part of the Commonwealth’s vision to maintain superior and leading edge technology and services, Act 183 of 2004 was passed. This legislation permitted the use of specific funds to be distributed to approved applicants for community and business outreach and aggregation of broadband demand. There are also mandates that require all incumbent local exchange companies (ILEC’s) to have broadband services available no later than 2015 and as soon as 2008. Additionally, an inventory of available services is to be collected, maintained and non-proprietary information displayed to the general public through a map on a public website. These along with other mandates under Act 183 of 2004 are some of the most aggressive in the United States.
To learn more click here Act 183 of 2004
Commonwealth Administered Act 183 Programs:
• Broadband Outreach & Aggregation Fund (BOAF) – Organizations can apply for grant funding to help aggregate the demand for broadband service.
• Business Attraction or Retention Program (BARP) – Find out about a unique program established as a mechanism to accelerate deployment of broadband to qualified businesses for the purpose of economic development.
• Bona Fide Retail Request Program (BFRR) – This consists of a program offered by participating telecommunications providers in order to attract and aggregate requests for services.
To inquire about Act 183 programs, please contact Broadband@NewPa.com.
Click to search Pennsylvania Broadband Coverage.
Pennsylvania is home to the country’s most aggressive broadband deployment commitments. By 2015, and as early as 2008, every city, town and village will have access to broadband service – even in the most rural areas.
In 2009 and 2010, the commonwealth was awarded Federal Broadband Stimulus (ARRA) funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA.) Click here for more information.
For Pennsylvania's comprehensive broadband strategy click here.
