Bizzarro lauds FCC investment in rural broadband expansion to Erie

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro    December 8, 2020 | 2:13 PM

ERIE, Dec. 18 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro today announced that the Federal Communications Commission has allocated nearly $370 million to expand broadband service to rural Pennsylvanians.

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction will bring access to an estimated 327,000 people living and working in the state. 

“I am thrilled to learn of this investment. Improved access to broadband puts Erie in a better position to welcome bigger employers to the region and offer better educational opportunities. Seamless access to broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially as we rely on connecting virtually for productivity and public safety efforts,” Bizzarro said.

Erie-based organizations received a total allocation of more than $2.5 million, which will expand services to an additional 3,099 customers. CCO Holdings LLC (Charter Communications) received a $2.15 million investment. Erie Space Exploration Technologies Corp. received $172,222 and Erie Windstream Services LLC received $258,098.

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction is part of the FCC’s broader effort to close rural America’s digital divide. Additional information about the initiative is available here.

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