The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has provisionally approved $793.4 million in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grants to extend high-speed internet statewide. The plan is open for public comment until August 29 before being submitted to the NTIA, which is expected to release funds by year-end.
The grants will support projects using fiber, fixed wireless, hybrid-fiber coaxial, and low-Earth orbit satellite service. All applicants must provide at least 25% in matching funds. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the goal of achieving universal broadband access in Pennsylvania by the end of the decade.
Pennsylvania was originally allocated $1.16 billion in BEAD funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act but is projecting full coverage for less than anticipated through competitive awards and program adjustments.