Ambitious Broadband Expansion Brings High-Speed Internet to Blair County
In a significant move to bridge the digital divide in Pennsylvania, a new broadband project promises to deliver high-speed internet to over 530 locations in Blair County. This development is part of a concerted effort by the Alleghenies Broadband and Crowsnest Broadband, backed by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA).
Duncansville, PA – Pennsylvania is taking a leap forward in ensuring its residents have access to affordable, high-speed internet. The PBDA’s Executive Director, Brandon Carson, recently announced the completion of the initial phase of a $2.4 million network expansion in collaboration with Alleghenies Broadband and Crowsnest Broadband. This initiative will lay down 70 miles of new fiber optic cables, bringing high-speed connectivity to rural regions currently lacking such access.
The PBDA has allocated more than $1.8 million in federal funds via the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) to facilitate this project. The expansion will primarily benefit residents in the Houston, Juniata, and North Woodbury townships, who have long been disconnected from high-speed internet services. Alleghenies and Crowsnest Broadband are contributing the remaining funds needed for the project.
“We are thrilled to see another crucial broadband project completed in our Commonwealth, giving more Pennsylvanians long-awaited access to internet they can afford,” stated PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening communities and boosting the state’s economy. The PBDA remains committed to working with partners to ensure rapid deployment and effective outcomes for the residents of Pennsylvania.
The BIP, funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, awards grants for both line extensions and large-scale infrastructure developments. All projects must ensure internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads upon completion.
April 2024 saw the PBDA approve $204 million in BIP funding for 53 projects across 42 counties. This funding will connect over 40,000 homes and businesses, impacting more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians. Private investments complement these grants, resulting in a combined $400 million effort to expand broadband in underserved regions.
Alleghenies Broadband, a nonprofit initiative, collaborates with local ISPs like Crowsnest Broadband to enhance internet access across the Southern Alleghenies region. Crowsnest Broadband, based in Altoona, has been pivotal in introducing high-speed internet to rural areas.
“Alleghenies Broadband is excited to celebrate the completion of a portion of our CPF Project with Crowsnest Broadband. Communities like Juniata Township in Blair County have been unserved for too long and we’re happy to see residents now have access to reliable, high-speed fiber technology that is also affordable for them,” said Dustin Bishop, Project Manager for Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. Dwayne Zimmerman, Founder of Crowsnest Broadband, remarked on the project’s significance, highlighting the challenges overcome in connecting the remote Juniata Township.
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- The PBDA granted $45 million through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program to enhance public facilities that support work, education, and health monitoring.
- In March 2024, Pennsylvania initiated a $20 million program to distribute laptops to schools and organizations for those lacking internet access devices.
- Governor Shapiro and Director Carson announced in June 2023 a federal funding of over $1.16 billion to extend broadband to underserved areas.
- An expansive five-year action plan to broaden internet access across the state was approved in August 2023.
For more details, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s website.
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