Pennsylvania’s plan to expand broadband access is in limbo as federal officials missed their self-imposed deadline for review. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was expected to approve the state’s spending plan by early December, but more than 120 days have passed since Pennsylvania submitted its proposal on September 4, 2023. Without federal approval, the state cannot finalize agreements with companies poised to receive funding, delaying construction efforts.
The cause of the delay remains unclear. A spokesperson for the NTIA declined to provide details, leaving stakeholders in Pennsylvania uncertain about the timeline for broadband enhancements. The grant program, initiated as part of a bipartisan infrastructure package in 2021, aims to ensure that all Americans have access to high-speed internet, marking the largest investment in broadband in the country’s history.
In a speech delivered in December, NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth emphasized the agency’s commitment to reviewing state plans, stating they were “working around the clock to approve as many states as possible by year’s end.” Despite these assurances, Pennsylvania remains one of ten states still awaiting federal approval as of January 7, 2024, according to a public dashboard tracking the progress of state submissions.
Pennsylvania’s broadband plan aims to connect approximately two-thirds of eligible locations with fiber internet, while 18% would rely on satellite providers and 13% would access wireless options. The revised strategy reflects changes in eligibility criteria and the evolving landscape of broadband deployment since the infrastructure law’s passage. The state now estimates it can connect all eligible locations for about $790.7 million, significantly less than its original $1.1 billion allocation.
The NTIA has cautioned that it could reject specific grant requests if deemed “excessive,” sparking concerns among state officials about potential funding reductions. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has criticized the rollout of the broadband initiative under President Joe Biden, attributing delays to bureaucratic challenges and what he described as “woke mandates.” In a recent statement to a U.S. Senate committee, he asserted that his department would ensure funds are distributed by calendar year 2025.
During a public meeting in July, state officials noted the urgency of revising applications to align with the new federal rules. Former budget secretary and broadband authority board chair, Uri Monson, acknowledged the challenges, describing the last few weeks as a “sprint” to meet the new requirements.
While the federal government had previously committed to a 90-day review period for state plans, the pace of approvals has varied. As of early January, the NTIA had cleared 42 out of 53 submissions from states and territories, a process that has raised concerns about the efficiency of the approval system.
As Pennsylvania waits for the crucial green light, the future of its broadband expansion remains uncertain. The state’s leadership and residents are keenly aware of the implications of delayed internet access, particularly in a time when connectivity is essential for education, work, and everyday life.
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