Casey pushes for funding to increase internet speed, access
Cable, fiber optics, wireless … it all needs broadband to operate.
Where it is created or how it works is a mystery to most, but it is much appreciated when smartphones are turned on or laptops are needed to catch up with the news or to download a movie or music.
The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access.
While accessibility to broadband is offered by numerous providers across the state, there remain certain areas in Fayette and Greene counties and other rural municipalities that still lack the high-speed connections that allow students to do their homework or suppliers to connect with businesses.
According to figures provided by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, more than 800,000 Pennsylvania residents, or 6 percent of the population, do not have high-speed internet access. In Fayette and Greene counties, 12 percent of their respective populations are lacking the service.
The local numbers, while high, are not at the level of Bedford County at 26 percent or Bradford County at 39 percent. Sullivan and Susquehanna counties have less than 40 percent of their residents connected to high-speed internet.
Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Dauphin, Delaware, Lehigh and Westmoreland counties are among those with the best connectivity.
All tolled, 40 of the state’s 67 counties have double-digit figures for populations without sufficient broadband services.
Casey is supporting an initiative by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to secure funding through the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to improve the local and state broadband system.
Earlier this year, the PUC petitioned the FCC to earmark certain unclaimed Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) money to Pennsylvania to enhance its broadband system.
The fund — totaling about $23 million — was turned down by Verizon to build out its high-speed, broadband system to Pennsylvania’s rural areas. The money became a part of a pool of funding that drew interest from New York.
Casey believes Pennsylvania should be considered as the FCC begins the allocation process.
“Access to broadband and advanced telecommunication technology are essential to full participation in economic and social life for every American,” he said in an earlier letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler.
“Pennsylvania has demonstrated a long-term commitment to achieving the goal of universal service so a family farmer in Susquehanna County has the same opportunity to compete and succeed as a graphic designer in Philadelphia.”
Over a 10-year period, the PUC has awarded about $970 million in rate and revenue relief to affected carriers as an incentive to enhance their respective systems, Casey added.
“Pennsylvania’s rural residents need this funding,” said Casey. “According to the FCC’s 2016 Broadband Progress Report, 20 percent of Pennsylvanians living in rural areas do not have access to high-speed internet, with that number rising as high as 69 percent in some counties.
“We need to do everything possible to expand access to this critical resource, and I support the PA PUC’s recommendation that states like Pennsylvania receive their full allocation of CAF II support, including declined funds, for use within the state.”
State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, has long advocated for increased broadband for the areas.
“I applaud Senator Casey for recognizing that rural Pennsylvania needs better access to broadband,” she said. “The internet is a necessity in today’s world.
“Students in my district are struggling to do homework. Small businesses can’t function. We have manufacturers in Greene County that want to market and sell their product online but can’t even start or maintain a website on the current internet speeds.”
In August, Snyder and other members of the state House Consumer Affairs Committee convened a hearing at Waynesburg University to learn from local residents and others about the need for increased broadband to better the high-speed connectivity.
At the hearing, Deborah Morgan, Greene County resident and teacher, said the best time to download information was between the hours of 3:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. due to the lack of broadband speeds by the only available service provider.
“It’s just wholly impossible to do business online with these kinds of speeds,” she told the lawmakers.
Snyder, who knows firsthand about the need for immediate access at home and at work, is commending Casey for his efforts.
“These funds are critical to ensure rural areas, like ours, do not fall behind,” she said.
“I’m grateful that Senator Casey is petitioning the FCC to keep these funds here. We need everyone engaged on this issue.”