ALBANY, NY, and HARRISBURG, PA — The recent announcement that New York State will get nearly $665 million in federal funding to invest in improvements to broadband availability gives the state an opportunity to accelerate universal deployment of the highest-speed connections in every corner of the state, according to a new analysis released by state comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The new federal funds are intended to spur broadband deployment by prioritizing unserved and then underserved locations, as well as public locations such as schools and libraries that allow for greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations. States are also encouraged to develop non-infrastructure programs that address affordability, equity and digital skills-training needs.

In Pennsylvania, Congressman Matt Cartwright announced that the commonwealth will receive $1.16 billion for broadband upgrades because of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Initial proposals must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PDBA) by the end of the year. 

Created in December of 2021, the PDBA is an independent agency of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. The authority is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal monies for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. Under the rules of the program, states must prioritize connecting predominantly unserved areas before bolstering service in underserved areas.