Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on increasing broadband access in Pennsylvania

House Communications & Technology Committee holds informational meeting on increasing broadband access in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    August 20, 2026 | 12:10 PM

INDIANA, Aug. 20 – The House Communications & Technology Committee held an informational meeting in Indiana, Pa. Tuesday to learn about broadband affordability and access in Pennsylvania.

“Low-cost, high-speed broadband is fundamental to a healthy and prosperous Pennsylvania. From helping Pennsylvania residents get the training necessary to be competitive in the workforce and be able to access essential services that will keep their families healthy to enabling our industries to capitalize on new economic opportunities and support our workforce, broadband equity is central to Pennsylvania’s future,” said Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, House Communications & Technology Committee Majority chair.

“As the world hurtles forward along the information superhighway, our low-income and rural residents are being left behind due to the high cost of broadband and a lack of infrastructure. Investment in low-cost, high-speed broadband will help ensure the even development of Pennsylvania’s economy, supporting the growth of strong, healthy communities throughout the commonwealth for years to come.”

Speakers included:

  • Sharene Hess, Indiana County commissioner
  • Jody Rainey, principal, Homer-Center Jr/Sr High School
  • John B. Horrigan, Ph.D., senior fellow, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
  • Christopher Ali, Ph.D., pioneers chair in telecommunications, Pennsylvania State University
  • Dustin Bishop, project manager, Alleghenies Broadband Inc.
  • Steven Schwerbel, state advocacy director, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association

Testifiers said that the high cost of broadband is creating an infrastructure gap for many low-income and rural households, preventing access to education, workforce development, jobs and critical services such as healthcare (telehealth), banking and public safety. They suggested that the commonwealth ensure access to low-cost broadband plans, support digital skills education and increase device access, remove barriers to local broadband development, invest in fiber technologies, and adopt strategies that foster digital equity throughout the commonwealth.

"Access to high-speed, affordable internet is vital, and we all deserve the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, resilient and thriving community. Those without reliable connectivity are excluded from the systems that enable full participation in our increasingly online world. We applaud Pennsylvania’s efforts, which will bring connectivity to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians that have been offline for decades, but that access cannot be realized if the associated costs are too high,” said Keystone Internet Coalition State Coordinator Jennifer Blatz.

The complete informational meeting can be viewed here, and written testimony can be accessed here.