{"id":2151335,"date":"2024-01-17T08:22:01","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T13:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/broadband-expansion-turning-into-jobs-program-leaving-rural-residents-behind\/"},"modified":"2024-01-17T08:25:33","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T13:25:33","slug":"broadband-expansion-turning-into-jobs-program-leaving-rural-residents-behind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/broadband-expansion-turning-into-jobs-program-leaving-rural-residents-behind\/","title":{"rendered":"Rural residents left behind as broadband expansion becomes a mere &#8216;jobs program"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">24<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fbroadband-expansion-turning-into-jobs-program-leaving-rural-residents-behind%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2151335&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>Pennsylvania Faces Challenges in Expanding Broadband Access<\/h2>\n<p>Pennsylvania is on the\u200c verge of a $1.6 billion\u200c initiative to bring broadband to rural and underserved areas\u2064 of the state. However, experts are \u2064cautioning that government \u200cinterference could hinder \u2062the success of this endeavor.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h3>Government Interference Hinders Progress<\/h3>\n<p>&#8220;One \u2063thing keeps getting in the way, and it\u2019s called government,&#8221; stated Huntingdon County Commissioner Jeff Thomas\u200d during a House GOP Policy Committee\u200b meeting. He explained that local,\u2064 state, and federal governments\u200b often undermine each\u200c other, impeding the installation of necessary infrastructure\u2063 like\u200b towers \u200band fiber-optic cables.<\/p>\n<p>Thomas further highlighted that\u200c when \u200bone\u200b agency provides funding, another agency reduces \u2062awards, prioritizing their \u2062own goals over the broader objective of \u2062expanding broadband access.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Obstacles such as limited access to \u200cpoles and difficulties obtaining right-of-way on public \u2063land have also hindered progress. Thomas emphasized the need for changes in permitting processes to expedite \u200bthe project and called for assistance\u2063 in gaining access to state game lands, state forest lands, and federal lands \u200bin the county.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h3>Concerns Over Delays and Funding<\/h3>\n<p>Experts \u2062have\u200c expressed concerns about delays in construction and\u2064 upgrades, which deplete the allocated\u2063 funds. There is little expectation \u2063of \u200dadditional funding \u2063for those left\u2064 behind.<\/p>\n<p>Todd Eachus, president of the \u2063Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania,\u2062 emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, &#8220;This\u2063 is a &#8216;once&#8217; opportunity \u200d\u2013 never again are we going\u2064 to\u200c see $1 billion-plus dollars flow into Pennsylvania to\u2062 ensure\u200b we get\u200d every last\u200c member of this commonwealth the access that\u200d they so critically deserve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Eachus warned about permitting hurdles, wage requirements, and \u200dthe potential diversion of funds for other purposes, jeopardizing\u200b the goal of\u2062 providing broadband access to every Pennsylvanian.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Legislative leaders compared the broadband expansion\u2063 to the rural electrification efforts of the past, emphasizing the need for a similar\u200c level of commitment and \u2062investment. They recognized the importance of improving infrastructure to prevent the exodus of young people from rural areas and ensure access \u2063to essential services like telemedicine.<\/p>\n<p>As\u200c Pennsylvania\u200b receives federal funding throughout the 2020s, legislators have pledged to remain actively\u200d involved in the \u2062process.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This won&#8217;t be the last time \u2063we talk \u200babout\u2064 this,&#8221; said Rep. Josh Kail, R-Beaver.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> What are some potential barriers that local governments can remove or streamline in order to expedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure in Pennsylvania?<\/h2>\n<p><span> <\/p>\n<p>Thomas also emphasized\u2063 the \u2063importance of streamlining the permitting process to \u200cexpedite the deployment of broadband infrastructure. He suggested that local governments should adopt \u2062standardized procedures and prioritize\u2064 the development of broadband, rather than \u200ccreating unnecessary barriers.<\/p>\n<p>Another challenge facing Pennsylvania&#8217;s broadband expansion is the lack of funding. While \u2064the \u200d$1.6 \u2063billion\u2063 initiative is a significant investment, many believe it may not be enough to tackle the extensive infrastructure requirements of rural areas.<\/p>\n<p>Rural communities often face unique challenges\u200d when it comes to\u2063 broadband access. The vast, sparsely populated areas and difficult terrain make it costly and \u2062challenging \u2063to lay down the necessary infrastructure. As a result, many rural areas are left with inadequate or no internet access, significantly impacting education, healthcare, and economic development.<\/p>\n<p>According to a \u2062Federal Communications Commission (FCC) report, 800,000 Pennsylvanians, including 4 in 10 rural residents, lack access to broadband internet. This digital divide disproportionately affects low-income families and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/parental-guidance-suggested\/\" title=\"PG\">exacerbates existing inequalities<\/a> in education and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the crucial need for reliable broadband access. As students and employees shifted\u2062 to remote\u2062 learning and work, those without access to high-speed internet struggled to stay connected \u200cand keep up with their studies and \u2063jobs. The lack of broadband in rural \u200careas hampers telemedicine services, preventing residents from receiving adequate healthcare, and exacerbating \u2063the already strained healthcare system.<\/p>\n<p>Expanding broadband access is not just a matter \u2062of convenience but an urgent necessity. It bridges the gap between rural \u2064and urban areas, providing equal opportunities for \u2064education, healthcare, and economic growth. Communities with widespread broadband access can attract businesses, spur innovation, and improve \u2064overall quality \u2064of life. It is imperative that Pennsylvania takes proactive steps to overcome the challenges it \u2062faces in expanding broadband access.<\/p>\n<p>A possible solution\u200c to the funding issue is seeking partnerships \u2064with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/caruzo-venezuelas-vaccine-passport-app-faces-a-familiar-foe-socialist-incompetence\/\" title=\"Caruzo \u2013 Venezuela\u2019s Vaccine Passport App Faces a Familiar Foe: Socialist Incompetence\">private internet service providers<\/a> (ISPs). By leveraging the expertise and resources of established ISPs, Pennsylvania can accelerate the deployment of broadband\u2062 infrastructure and \u2062<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-extends-9-billion-more-of-student-debt-relief-to-125000-borrowers\/\" title=\"Biden grants additional B in student debt relief to 125K borrowers.\">ensure long-term sustainability<\/a>. Public-private partnerships have\u2062 proven successful in \u2064other states, and Pennsylvania can learn from their experiences to drive its own expansion efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the state government should collaborate with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive broadband\u200d plan. This plan should address the needs of rural communities while ensuring the affordability and \u200breliability of broadband services. Prioritizing education and awareness campaigns about the benefits of broadband access can also help in garnering public support for \u2063the expansion initiative.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, Pennsylvania\u200d can explore creative solutions \u2063like satellite internet\u2063 and fixed wireless \u2062technologies, which have shown promise in connecting hard-to-reach areas. By diversifying the technology mix, the state can maximize coverage \u2064and provide internet access to residents in even the most remote corners.<\/p>\n<p>Broadband expansion in Pennsylvania is an ambitious goal, but it is one that can \u200cyield significant benefits for the state. By addressing \u2064the challenges of government interference, funding, and technology, Pennsylvania can\u2063 bridge the digital divide and create a more inclusive and connected society.<\/p>\n<p>With the support of policymakers, stakeholders, and communities, \u2064Pennsylvania has a unique opportunity to \u200blead the way in expanding broadband access and ensuring that no Pennsylvanian is \u2062left behind in the digital age. The time to act is now.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pennsylvania plans to invest $1.6 billion in expanding broadband to rural areas. However, experts caution that government involvement may hinder progress. The state may encounter unique challenges that other states do not<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2315279,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[538],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2151335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-washington-examiner"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2151335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2151335"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2151335\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2315279"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2151335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2151335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2151335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}