The Broadband Program for the Unserved in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is continuing to make progress as it enters its third phase. The program has awarded, constructed, or completed over 2,300 locations related to the unserved areas of the county. The overall investment is $19M, with Washington County, PA, investing approximately $9M thru funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and over $10M in investments from Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
“We are thrilled with the progress we have made so far,” says Diana Irey Vaughan, Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. “Access to high-speed internet is essential for our residents, and this program is making it possible for those in unserved areas to have the same level of connectivity as those in served or urban areas.”
The program has leveraged multiple internet service providers, including Hickory Telephone, DQE Communications, Kinetic by Windstream, and most recently Comcast. “We are excited to have these providers on board,” says Larry Maggi, Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners. “Their expertise and resources will be invaluable as we work to expand access to high-speed internet throughout the county.”
John Timney, Executive Director of the Washington County Authority, which is managing the broadband project, says that fiber construction is progressing well. “We are on track to meet our goals for this phase of the project,” he says. “Fiber optics are the backbone of high-speed internet, and we are committed to bringing this technology to as many residents as possible.”
The passion and enthusiasm for the overall program are evident, as the impact on the community is significant. “Access to high-speed internet is critical for telemedicine, small businesses, and remote and hybrid work schedules for larger businesses,” says Irey Vaughan. “Perhaps most importantly, our schools rely on high-speed internet for distance learning and the ability to recover from the pandemic.”
The program’s focus on high-speed internet, fiber optics, construction, and overall time is crucial to its success. “We are committed to completing this program on time and on budget,” says Timney. “The impact on our community will be significant, and we are proud to be part of this effort to improve the lives of our residents.”
The Rural Broadband Program in Washington County, Pennsylvania, is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to address a critical need. As the program enters its third phase, the impact on the community will be significant and long-lasting.
