Using stimulus cash to make broadband, well, broader

Pennsylvania is using federal stimulus dollars to launch a new website aimed at connecting individuals and companies with better broadband Internet access.

 

The $7.3 million grant helped launch an improved online map of broadband access throughout the state.

“Individuals or businesses that are interested in broadband connectivity can go to the website, type in their county or their address, search, and pull up a listing of all the providers in that area that would provide service,” said Pennsylvania Broadband Initiative’s director Sue Suleski.

 

Suleski says the map also provides a chance to request improved access. “In the event that service is not available, they would have the opportunity to provide feedback to indicate that they would like service, so we can address the gaps that are out there in some spots,” she said. “Particularly in the more rural areas of the state.”

 

The site’s address is broadbandinpa.com. It will eventually be part of a nationwide government-run interactive map set to launch in February.

 

Pennsylvania is in the midst of an effort to expand broadband access – the state recently won a nearly $30 million federal grant to improve connection speeds in northern counties.