Pennsylvania has received $20 million in federal funding to distribute devices that will increase internet access across the commonwealth.
The funding, announced Friday by the Shapiro administration, will help build Wi-Fi hotspots for community organizations such as schools, libraries, local governments and workforce training organizations, as well as so-called “big screen” devices (such as laptops, tablets and desktop computers). ). Funds will be distributed in the following ways: Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (Pabda).
“When communities don’t have reliable broadband access, they often rely on key institutions like libraries, schools, and community centers to provide it,” said PABDA Executive Director Brandon Carson. . “With that comes the need for modern resources, including high-quality devices.”
The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund, which supports projects that expand economic opportunity and digital access across the country. PABDA is developing a new program for purchasing and distributing devices, with a release date expected later this year.
Depending on the funding guidance, city of philadelphia The city could apply for the funding itself or share the opportunity with community organizations, said Juliet Fink Yates, the city’s broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion manager. Innovation and Technology Department (OIT).
build broadband infrastructure; affordable internet She pointed out that it’s just a small piece of the digital stock pie.
“There’s a huge need in Philadelphia,” Fink-Yates told Technical.ly, noting that while many people have smartphones, large-screen devices make using the internet more efficient. , he explained. Content creation software and tools often require large-screen devices and often have high initial costs, he added.
The city has already Partnership with PC for People, a nonprofit organization that refurbishes and sells devices nationwide. Philadelphia officials are looking at ways to create and improve public computing centers at recreation centers and senior centers, and the Adult Education Team at the Department of Children and Families is also working with adult education providers to make them accessible to adult learners. It is clearly stated in the contract. Devices will be provided as needed, Fink-Yates said.
More than 276,000 households, schools, libraries and businesses across the state are without internet connectivity, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. It is estimated that approximately 12,000 Pennsylvanians could benefit annually from this new funding.
the state received 200 million dollars with federal funding last spring. capital project fund broadband Infrastructure Program for Broadband Connectivity Projects.
Additionally, Pennsylvania $1.16 billion From the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to extend broadband to underserved or unserved areas of the state.Last year, PABDA map It shows which areas of the state are unserved or underserved. 5 years of PABDA plan This funding was approved last summer.
Philadelphia OIT’s Fink Yates said $20 million for the device is welcome, but noted it’s not the final solution.
“Even though the money is large, it’s still this one-time money,” Fink-Yates said. “Cities, states and the federal government really need to think about … how do we ensure that we can actually sustain the needs of our citizens after this funding ends?”
Sarah Huffman is a 2022-2024 corps member of Report for America, an initiative of the Ground Truth Project that pairs young journalists with local newsrooms. This position is supported by the Lenfest Journalism Institute.
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