Public Meeting Oct. 14 In Coudersport On Broadband Expansion

Potter County Today

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 8-10 am in Coudersport to share ideas on how industries, businesses, government organizations and other entities can benefit from federal funds targeted for expanding broadband communications networks across the state. Fiber-optic technology that accommodates high-speed data has helped many public and private users improve efficiencies and — in the case of businesses and industries — expand their operations.

Billions of dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) are being used to expand broadband service, particularly in underserved sections of the country. The Oct. 14 seminar, to be held at the Potter County Education Council office, will highlight infrastructure and mapping projects, best practices and successful strategies for municipal leaders and business organizations. Local government officials, economic development and planning personnel, educators and health care administrators will find the content to be of interest.

“The opportunities stem from a grant for a ‘middle-mile’ infrastructure project in 32 counties north of Interstate 80,” said Mary Jo Shaub, from the Pa. eCommerce Assn. “The grant will be used to add broadband capacity to Pennsylvania’s statewide public safety radio network (PA-STARNet). Local telecommunications companies and internet service providers will be able to purchase excess capacity to serve citizens, schools, businesses and other organizations. The state will allow broadband providers to lease space on its towers, helping to reduce the cost of providing access to less-populated regions.”

For more information or to register, contact Janine Morley at 274-4877.