Access to the internet is something that most people take for granted. In some cases, it’s necessary to access services from banking to buying movie tickets. 

But in some parts of the country, including right here in Pennsylvania, high-speed internet isn’t available. 

The Biden administration estimates 30 million Americans live in areas that don’t have access to the infrastructure needed for high-speed internet, including about 5% of Pennsylvania residents. 

There’s an effort underway both on the federal and state level to change that. 

The state has been working with service providers to bring broadband to unserved and underserved regions such as Berks County. 

One of them is Wyomissing-based Fastbridge Fiber. 

The company recently began work on bringing its network to Muhlenberg Township, with service set to begin this spring. 

“FastBridge Fiber will provide many of our residents with a choice for internet service and we are excited to welcome them into our community. This not only expands choice and quality of service, but it is another example of the Township welcoming new business and technology that will benefit residents and local businesses alike,” Joe Mench, assistant township manager and director of Information Technology & Communications, said in a statement.   

Fastbridge was working to bring its network to the Greater Williamsport region as well as Bloomsburg and Danville. 

Comcast is also working to expand its presence in Berks County. 

The company recently announced that it is expanding service to Birdsboro.  

The internet provider said on its website that it will deliver Xfinity and Comcast Business services to more than 2,000 residents and businesses in the southern Berks County borough and is planning to extend service in other parts of the county through 2024.  

The company noted that service is already available in the Amity, Exeter and St. Lawrence areas of Berks County. 

Last year Pennsylvania received $1,161,778,272 from the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help expand high-speed internet access across Pennsylvania. 

“Nowadays, reliable, broadband internet access is almost as fundamental as electricity or running water. We can’t let our rural and other underserved communities get left behind due to lack of broadband access,” U.S. Senator John Fetterman said. “This funding is a big deal and will help deliver more broadband for all people, in rural and urban areas, so that everyone has equitable access to stable high-speed internet at home.” 

Bringing broadband to the state is being organized by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA.)  

It defines broadband as at least 1.544 megabits per second download speed and 128 kilobits per second upload speed.   

The authority was created in December 2021 as an independent agency of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development to focus on closing the digital divide in the state. Part of its mission is to offer financial assistance to service providers to expand into unserved or underserved areas. 

The authority said it’s not just about internet access for individuals and families. Accessing high-speed broadband is imperative for businesses looking to remain regionally and globally competitive.