HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law a slight rule change that will make it easier for rural communities to expand broadband access.
House Bill 2438 allows rural electrical cooperatives to use existing easements and infrastructure for electrical lines to provide broadband internet.
The Pennsylvania State Grange, which has taken up expanded broadband access as a top legislative priority, praised Wolf for signing the bill Oct. 29.
“By itself, it will not bridge the Digital Divide, but it is a major step forward,” said Vince Phillips, Grange legislative director, in a statement.
According to data from the Federal Communications Commission more than 800,000 Pennsylvania lack access to reliable, high-speed internet. More than 65% of those are residents in rural areas.
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