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PA Government Standing in the Way of Broadband Expansion

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You may remember back in 2023 when I brought up the issue of Pennsylvania’s so called “broadband deserts.” The term applies to those areas of the state where residents have no easily accessible broadband connection to the internet. The federal government has allocated over $1 billion to PA to expand broadband, yet there hasn’t been any progress. I pointed out how the PA government has done a lot of studies, made maps of the areas to focus on and continues to make promises, yet the money is sitting unused and those without broadband then, still have no broadband.

Studies and more studies, but no action

The problem is the state requires prevailing wages for the installers and classifies them as electric lineman, about $90 per hour instead of fiber optic cable workers (which is what they are) at $55 per hour. Contractors can’t afford to pay the higher wages and offer competitive bids. PA Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker says she needs to study the issue for a while longer.

Walker said the problem from the department’s perspective is that, up to now, there has been a lack of data or information provided to the Department of Labor and Industry.

“We are starting to get information in now. I have not seen the details of it. It will be carefully assessed and evaluated by the department, and if a rate and/or a classification change is appropriate, we will absolutely make it,” she said.

During the hearing, she also noted that more clarity could be provided on this matter as the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Appeals Board, which reviews appeals and grievances related to prevailing wages, is considering a rate appeal.

Remember, she’s been studying this for about a year and a half, sitting on the money, holding up broadband installations and slowing economic development. I wonder how she would answer an email from Elon Musk if it asked her for five things she accomplished in the previous week.

Starlink – available now, no installers needed

My previous article explained how Starlink could immediately put broadband anywhere in the state with DIY installations, no need to wait for an installer, but the Democrat government doesn’t like Elon Musk, so they refuse to use his service. I also explained how the cost would be dramatically less than the government is planning to spend. The numbers are amazing and the service is even better since I wrote that article in October of 2023. Anyone who signed up then would have had broadband for the past year.

I highly recommend reading the previous article. It’s a simple explanation that anyone, even the PA Labor and Industry Secretary, can understand.

UPDATE:

Now Starlink is saving the air traffic control communication system – AT NO COST!

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Comments

  1. Thanks for the update, Paul.

    I’d encourage everyone to write your PA Representatives and Senators.

    I’ve spoken with VNet (Velocity) about expanding fiber optic internet in North East. It’s already here, but mostly available at main business corridors. VNet told me that FirstEnergy/Penelec would not agree to share access to utility poles and furthermore, to expand in areas not currently serviced, EVERYONE needs to send them an email asking for service expansion to their neighborhood.

    As far as Starlink is concerned, you can’t stream or exchange high speed data using that service., however I was told the money received for broadband expansion would NOT be utilized for Starlink, as the government would not pay for a simple piece of satellite equipment when they could pay laborers to lay cable and line. ie. Create jobs.

    Understand that “jobs created” data is used to skew economic data for the entire country.

    It’s unfortunate for so many who NEED broadband for work and school, but are being blocked by partisan, governmental bureaucrats, following an agenda. The taxpayers of PA realize NO benefit from the interest earned on the millions being withheld, meant to expand and modernize internet access in our state.

    Please, write your elected officials. My permission is granted to share any content in this post. Bless you all

    Reply

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