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Broadband access not available everywhere in PA

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What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, December 12, 2018:

Turn on a computer or connect a phone to Wi-Fi and most of us expect immediate, and fast, connectivity. In this digital age, we’ve come to take internet access for granted.

The Federal Communications Commission estimates about 800,000 Pennsylvanians lack access to Broadband. However, a recent Penn State study finds the number much higher at 11 million people as defined by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC says broadband has a speed of at least 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and at least 3 Mbps upload.

Governor Tom Wolf has launched a ‘Broadband Initiative,’ with a goal to provide high-speed internet access to every household and business in Pennsylvania by 2022.

The Governor says that “lack of quality internet access means businesses are not able to market themselves and conduct business online, kids miss out on learning opportunities and healthcare facilities cannot share information with specialists.” The broadband Initiative is intended to “bridge the digital divide.”

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss broadband access in Pennsylvania are Steve Samara, PA Telephone Association, Barry Denk of the Center for Rural PA and Senator-elect Kristin Phillips-Hill, York County.

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Steve Samara, Barry Denk and PA Senator (elect) Kristin Phillips-Hill

 

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