Broadband Expansion Plan In PA: Community Meeting In Pottstown

POTTSTOWN, PA — State Sen. Tracy Pennyciuck led a meeting this week at the Montgomery County Community College Pottstown campus to gather information to create a statewide broadband plan.

“High-quality internet connection is no longer a luxury, it’s critical for being a successful employer, providing health care services, and connecting residents to an array of goods and services,” said Pennyciuck, a Montgomery County Republican.

“As Pennsylvania embarks on the next phase of increasing broadband access, it’s extremely important that we hear from the people on how they currently use broadband and what is lacking.”

Pennycuick and Sen. Jimmy Dillion, a Philadelphia Democrat, who also led the meeting, chair the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

The meeting was part of a larger effort by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, an independent agency of the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Through the public meeting series, the authority is receiving input to help develop plans to address broadband service needs in unserved and underserved communities.

“The input received through these community listening sessions is invaluable and will help shape the state’s implementation plan,” said Dillon.

There are an estimated 280,000 Pennsylvanians living in an unserved area who cannot access 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed.

Topics discussed included methods of internet delivery from fastest – fiber optics – to slowest – satellite.

Community participants provided input on their biggest challenges accessing the internet, choice of providers, monthly internet bills, and more.