Pennsylvania has announced a substantial investment of $793 million to enhance high-speed internet access, aiming to connect homes and businesses throughout the state. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort designed to ensure that even the most remote and rural areas of the United States gain access to reliable internet services. The funding will target approximately 130,000 locations that currently lack broadband connectivity.
Critics have expressed concerns about the allocation of these funds, particularly regarding the increasing reliance on low Earth orbit satellite internet providers. They argue that this approach could limit access for rural residents and squander a significant opportunity to achieve universal broadband access. While these apprehensions have been partially validated, Pennsylvania’s funding distribution reflects a more balanced approach than some had anticipated.
Funding Distribution and Technology Choices
According to the state’s broadband officials, around two-thirds of the eligible locations will receive internet connections via fiber-optic cables, known for their speed and reliability. In contrast, 18% of connections will be established through satellite providers, with 13% relying on wireless internet solutions. Todd Eachus, president of the Broadband Communications Association of Pennsylvania, noted, “Pennsylvania struck a relatively reasonable balance here, but the proof will be in the pudding once these get built.”
The funding decisions stem from the changes introduced during the Trump administration, which aimed to prioritize projects with lower installation costs. Under former President Joe Biden, however, states were encouraged to focus on fiber-optic technologies, which are generally faster but more expensive. The new federal guidelines, announced in June 2023, have since allowed satellite internet services from companies like SpaceX and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to become more competitive in the bidding process.
The outcomes have varied significantly across different states. For example, states such as West Virginia and Louisiana have opted to prioritize fiber projects for over 80% of their eligible locations. In comparison, Pennsylvania’s approach falls somewhere in between, reflecting a mix of technologies.
Concerns Over Reliability and Future Demands
Critics argue that funding satellite internet providers may be a short-sighted strategy. They point out that these companies may not meet the increasing demands for faster internet speeds as technology evolves. In line with this perspective, Pennsylvania’s broadband authority did not categorize any satellite projects as scalable, as directed by the infrastructure law, which emphasizes the need for projects that can adapt to future speed requirements.
Despite these warnings, Amazon’s Project Kuiper has secured funding for more than 18,000 locations in Pennsylvania, primarily covering regions in Beaver, Greene, and Washington Counties. In addition, SpaceX is set to provide service to approximately 4,800 locations. Some residents have voiced concerns, labeling the awards to Project Kuiper as premature, given that the service is not yet operational. One resident remarked that the initiative seems like “a step in the wrong direction just to ensure that ‘internet for all’ is achieved on paper.”
Labor unions have also criticized the decision to allocate funds to satellite providers, emphasizing that they do not contribute to local infrastructure or job creation in the same way that fiber broadband does. In its comments, SpaceX has urged the federal government to mandate a rebidding process for certain locations, arguing that Pennsylvania has not always selected the most cost-effective options.
The question of whether satellite internet can reliably meet the program’s speed requirements remains open. An analysis by Ookla indicated that only 17.4% of SpaceX users achieved the federal definition of broadband speeds during the first quarter of 2023. Nevertheless, there has been a notable increase in median upload and download speeds over recent years. However, research has shown that adding more users can lead to congestion, impacting speed for existing customers.
Sascha Meinrath, a professor at Penn State, expressed skepticism about the capacity of SpaceX to fulfill the program’s requirements. He stated, “If four out of five subscribers aren’t getting broadband speeds today, what do people think is going to happen when you add in hundreds of thousands of new users?”
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for SpaceX claimed that median download speeds have consistently exceeded the program’s requirements, even during peak demand periods, and emphasized the company’s commitment to improving overall service quality.
Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion plan is now pending approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce, which has committed to reviewing state proposals within 90 days. The agency has cautioned that it may reject specific grant awards deemed excessive in cost, and there are indications that it could prompt states to rebid certain areas. However, the agency has yet to make any public comments regarding this review process.
This initiative is crucial as Pennsylvania seeks to bridge the digital divide, but its success will depend on the reliability of the technologies employed and the ability to scale services effectively over time.
