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Businesses

In order to be a national and global competitor, Pennsylvania's businesses must have the telecommunications capacity to keep pace with even the most high-tech companies. Under Act 183, qualifying businesses will be able to receive assistance for broadband service.

Business Attraction & Retention Program

The Business Attraction & Retention Program (BARP) recognizes the importance of telecommunications infrastructure to economic development by creating a mechanism to accelerate deployment for economic development purposes. Through the BARP program, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) can assist with the deployment of broadband to qualifying businesses that are considering locating to or within Pennsylvania.

Act 183 establishes a process to allow the DCED to refer potential business attraction and retention prospects to the participating providers. The Act requires that broadband service be delivered to qualified businesses following agreement on a service delivery proposal, or following meeting eligibility criteria for a Bona Fide Retail Request (BFRR).

Under the Act, certain Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) are obligated to implement BARP. In particular, Verizon and Verizon North (.pdf), Embarq (.pdf) and Windstream (.pdf) have initiated their participation BARP program.

Combined with new and existing economic development programs, Act 183 will help redevelop old industrial sites and support economic development efforts to create more jobs in Pennsylvania.

If you are a business seeking access to broadband and are located in a business park, industrial park, KOZ, or other commercial location, and would like to be considered under the BARP process, please contact DCED at Broadband@NewPA.com