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Tag: internet

Glo Fiber broadband coming to Mount Joy

Glo Fiber, powered by Shenandoah Telecommunications Co., has reached an agreement with municipal officials to deploy fiber-to-the-home broadband services to Mount Joy borough.

Throughout the 18- to 24-month construction process, Glo Fiber will bring a fiber network to more than 3,700 homes and businesses in the area, a release said, enabling multi-gigabit internet access with symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 5G. Glo Fiber said it can ensure high speeds, low latency and increased reliability because it uses Edinburg, Virginia-based Shentel’s 8,300-mile regional fiber network.

Engineering work is underway, and construction is scheduled to begin in late 2024.

Glo Fiber has customers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.

“The borough looks forward to Glo Fiber operating in Mount Joy,” said Mount Joy Borough Manager Mark Pugliese. “Borough Council voted unanimously in favor of setting up a franchise agreement with Glo Fiber, permitting Glo Fiber to operate within the borough limits. In the end, our residents will have an opportunity to choose who they want to purchase services from. Up until now, there were little options.”

Added Chris Kyle, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs at Shentel: “We are excited to continue expanding our footprint in Lancaster County. Mount Joy marks our 30th franchise in Pennsylvania as we continue to bring Glo Fiber to residents and businesses throughout the commonwealth. Not surprisingly, we have seen a great response from Lancaster County localities as they realize just how crucial fiber-to-the-home infrastructure is in today’s world.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

More Lancaster, Berks customers have access to broadband

Nearly 2,200 homes and businesses in Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties are now accessible to fiber broadband from high-speed internet provider Kinetic.

That includes about 900 homes and businesses in Berks County, 750 in Chester County and 550 in Lancaster County. The total will likely increase to more than 3,100 by this time next year, Kinetic estimated in a release.

“We’re thrilled to bring our fastest speeds and our best internet experience to more homes and businesses here in Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties,” Kinetic state operations President Susan Schraibman said at the announcement. “The energy and momentum we have in the marketplace are unmistakable, and we’re proud we’re able to bring our ultrafast fiber connectivity to more customers and the community every single day. Our mission is to provide exceptional internet to all our customers.”

In a statement, state Rep. Mark Gillen, R-Birdsboro, said Kinetic broadband customers “will have their fiber optic connections linked directly from their place of residence to the internet infrastructure, which avoids bottlenecks that reduce upload speeds, download speeds and general reliability,” Gillen said. “I am excited that Kinetic’s customers will have the opportunity to experience the ultimate in home internet service right here in Berks County.”

Lancaster County state Sen. Scott Martin, R-Martic Township, added: “Access to broadband is an important quality-of-life issue, which is why it has been a priority for Senate Republicans for several years. I applaud the ongoing work to expand this service to more local communities.”

Kinetic’s ultrafast fiber-optic broadband lets users upload and download at up to 1 gigabit a second, or 1,000 megabits a second, providing what is known as “next-generation access.”

The southeastern Pennsylvania fiber project is part of a $2 billion multiyear capital investment strategy to dramatically expand gigabit internet service across Kinetic’s 18-state footprint.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

York County adds new internet provider

York County Commissioners have finalized an agreement with Lit Fiber – York, a subsidiary of Birmingham-Alabama-based Lit Communities, to provide high-speed broadband internet service through underserved and unserved areas of rural York County and then eventually through York city itself.

The project will utilize up to 3,125 miles of aerial and underground fiber optic cable that will feed off a 333-mile middle-mile network to provide last-mile service to communities where customer density has not been high enough to justify private capital investment in service expansion.

That will begin with 26 miles already installed underneath the York Heritage Rail Trail – including Seven Valleys, Glen Rock, Railroad and New Freedom. This will enable fiber connectivity to approximately 3,000 locations. A county-owned middle-mile network, YoCo Fiber, covering 144 miles across much of southern York County will follow, which will enable fiber connectivity to approximately 100,000 locations.

YoCo Fiber is planned to eventually extend up to 333 miles and enable fiber connectivity to approximately 225,000 locations.

Lit Communities launched this $285 million project in July 2021 to partner with York County leaders to design and guide the construction of the first two phases. New Lit Communities affiliate Lit Fiber – York will serve as the internet service provider when service begins rolling out in the fourth quarter of this year.

High-speed broadband service is essential for businesses and daily life. The middle-mile network also will connect 285 anchor institutions including fire, police and EMS stations, 911 towers and schools.

“We’re excited to reach this important step toward providing must-have broadband internet to the one-fourth of our county residents who lack such access,” York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler said in a release. “We’ll also eventually be adding yet another quality option for those residents in areas that also enjoy the benefits of competition among several other ISPs.”

Telecommunications executive and longtime central Pennsylvania resident Mike Zody has been hired as the market president for Lit Fiber – York.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Dauphin County, Comcast partner to provide broadband access to homes, businesses

A $4.1 million project aimed at offering high-speed internet options to nearly 500 homes and businesses in northern Dauphin County was announced Monday by Dauphin County Commissioners and Comcast. 

The project is at the forefront of efforts by the commissioners and Comcast to expand broadband internet access for northern Dauphin County communities.  

Monday’s announcement closely follows Gov. Tom Wolf’s announcement last Thursday that Pennsylvania is receiving nearly $7 million from President Joe Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. 

“Expanding the broadband grid has been a priority for quite some time – it was just a matter of finding the right partner,” Mike Pries, Chairman of the Dauphin County Commissioners, said in a statement. “This project will improve quality of life north of the mountain.” 

Having been informed by parents, school administrators and educators, and business owners of the difficulties of daily life without the benefit of broadband access, the commissioners have been working to find a partner for the project. 

“Having easy access to fast, secure internet service should not be a luxury,” Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said. 

A one-time contribution by Dauphin County will fund 75% of the project. The remaining funds to build the network will be committed by Comcast. The network’s maintenance will be the responsibility of Comcast. As the project moves forward, Dauphin County and Comcast will communicate with businesses, residents, and schools in impacted areas. 

“We are proud to join with the Dauphin County Commissioners in this effort where we can continue our investments in rural Pennsylvania communities,” said Alka Patel, vice president of government affairs and community impact for Comcast’s Keystone Region. “We are committed to connecting as many families and businesses as possible to our smart, fast and reliable fiber-rich network.” 

The network will bring speeds of up to 1.2 gigabits per second. Engineering work is scheduled to begin soon, and network construction is expected for 2023. 

The need for internet access for homes and businesses was vividly displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when education and employment moved from on-site to remote. 

“We saw and heard about the challenges students had finding a fast connection for their schoolwork,” Commissioner Chad Saylor said. “Some families resorted to driving many miles to a café or business.” 

Benefiting from the broadband project will be school districts for Halifax Area, Millersburg, Susquenita, and Upper Dauphin, along with residents and businesses in Halifax, Jackson, Jefferson, Lykens, Mifflin, Reed, Upper Paxton, Washington, and Wayne townships. 

“Affordable high-speed internet has become essential for students, families, and businesses in our community and across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. David R. Hatfield, Superintendent of Halifax Area School District. “We are pleased that Dauphin County is helping to expand internet coverage to underserved areas.”

Pa. receiving nearly $7 million for broadband accessibility

Pennsylvania is receiving $6.6 million from President Joe Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday. 

Of the more than $100 million to be managed by the Pennsylvania Broadband Authority, the funds are the first to be awarded as Pennsylvania looks to make broadband accessible and affordable for all residents. 

Wolf said the state’s lack of affordable, accessible broadband represents one of the largest challenges that is holding back the economy. 

“This $6.6 million is the beginning of a generational change waiting for Pennsylvanians,” Wolf said in a statement. “With guidance from the Pennsylvania Broadband Authority, distribution will be carefully targeted for guaranteed progress.” 

Funding from two programs is included in Pennsylvania’s award: 

  • $5 million from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. 
  • $1.6 million from the Digital Equity Act to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the benefits of a digital economy. 

 

The Pennsylvania Broadband Authority will release the funds. The Authority last week released the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Broadband Plan to address the immediate and long-term needs of state residents. Wolf signed the legislation to create the Authority in 2021. Created through bipartisan partnership, the Authority serves as a one stop shop for all things broadband in Pennsylvania and manages more than $100 million in federal funds as it works to end the state’s digital divide. 

With up to 80,000 Pennsylvanians currently unserved by broadband, the Authority’s Plan focuses on actionable steps to achieve broadband access for all. The Plan looks to improve broadband service infrastructure and availability, digital equity and affordability, device and technology access, and digital literacy and technical support. 

U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Pennsylvanians know that unequal Internet access equates to unequal access to economic, educational, and healthcare services and opportunities. 

“These grants will put Pennsylvania on the path to equitably achieve high-speed internet service for all residents,” said Raimondo. 

U.S. Senator Bob Casey, D-PA, noted that from rural areas to densely populated cities, many Pennsylvanians are struggling to access affordable, reliable internet. 

 “This ‘Internet for All’ funding will kickstart the commonwealth’s plan to bring high-speed internet to Pennsylvanians so that kids can do their homework, businesses can grow their operations, and workers can have more opportunities for good-paying jobs,” Casey said.

“We have the infrastructure law to thank for this robust investment that will lead to a boost in the economy, increased access to health care and educational resources, and better-connected families and communities.”

Wolf announces plan to expand broadband in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has released the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Broadband Plan, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday. 

Both the immediate and long-term needs of Pennsylvanians are addressed in the State Broadband Plan. 

Wolf stated that broadband is as essential in today’s world as electricity and water but noted that there exists in Pennsylvania a digital divide. “This plan will ensure consistent, affordable, quality statewide broadband to keep children learning, businesses growing, and opportunities abounding for all Pennsylvanians.” 

In December 2021 Wolf signed legislation to create the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. Created through bipartisan partnership, the authority serves as a one-stop shop for all things broadband in Pennsylvania and manages more than $100 million in federal funds while working to close the state’s digital divide. 

The focus of the authority’s plan to expand broadband across the state is on improving broadband service infrastructure and availability, device and technology access, and digital literacy and technical support. As there are up to 800,000 unserved Pennsylvanians, the plan includes steps to achieve universal broadband access. 

Meeting this goal means committing to the following: 

  • Maintaining current and accurate data on unserved and underserved populations 
  • Reducing obstacles to broadband deployment 
  • Supporting and maintaining a skilled workforce 
  • Ensuring devices are made available and affordable 
  • Ensuring multiple affordable service options are available 
  • Ensuring affordable options are sustainable 
  • Providing training so that every person can meet foundational digital literacy skills 
  • Developing a technical support network. 

Brandon Carson, the authority’s executive director, said in a statement that if Pennsylvania is to remain competitive, equal access to the internet, regardless of income or location, must be provided. “Broadband access affects every area of our lives – from work, to education, to health, and safety. Closing the digital divide helps enhance our communities and fosters economic growth and innovation for all Pennsylvanians.” 

In 2018, the Wolf Administration launched a $35 million Pennsylvania Broadband Investment Incentive Program to expand broadband in rural areas. 

In 2021, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development launched the Unserved High-Speed Broadband Funding Program to further support the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure to unserved areas with $10 million in funding. 

PA-based upward broadband bringing network to Fulton County

Fulton County is expected to receive an extensive broadband network courtesy of Upward Broadband, a Lancaster County-based and family-owned fixed wireless internet provider serving more than 1,000 people in underserved areas of Lancaster, Chester, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties.

Upward Broadband recently signed an agreement with Alleghenies Broadband Inc. to bring reliable, high-speed internet to approximately 2,900 Fulton County homes. According to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) definitions, many of these homes are currently unserved or underserved by internet providers.

Homes and businesses that to do not have access to internet services offering at least 25 megabits per second (Mpbs) downstream and 3 Mbps upstream are considered unserved. Some 24 percent of Fulton County’s households fall into the unserved category, according to a February 2022 Center for Rural Pennsylvania report.

Upward Broadband’s agreement with Alleghenies Broadband Inc. calls for building a fixed wireless internet spanning 10 towers across Fulton County.

“Upward Broadband recognizes the need for reliable high-speed internet has become even more urgent in our digital-first society, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true in rural communities with limited access to broadband and wireless infrastructure,” said Tim Beiler, co-owner of Upward Broadband. “With the tremendous cultural leap towards teleworking and distance learning, reliable internet access is essential for economic opportunities, including the ability to run businesses, remotely apply for job opportunities and work from home.”

A segment of Fulton County has been served by Upward Broadband since 2021. The coverage area will expand to more than 400 square miles with the new towers, increasing to approximately 4,000 the number of accessible homes. In addition, 250 businesses from Springfield Township to Fort Littleton will be served, along with area schools, municipal buildings, and other organizations. Included in this are 700 households and 50 businesses in unserved areas.

One new tower will be constructed, and nine existing towers will be equipped with fixed wireless internet transmission equipment. The towers, backed by high-speed fiber, will disseminate internet services with speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload to serviceable customers. Each tower services a 10-mile radius.

The project is financed by an award from Fulton County using funds from the American Rescue Act.

“We are grateful for the tremendous partnerships we’ve established with these key players,” Beiler said. “Our team looks forward to continuing working together to bring this expansion to life as quickly as possible.”

Upward Broadband is seeking to complete the network buildout by June 30, 2023. Upward Broadband is also working to expand coverage in Huntingdon County, with a completion date of early 2023.

New internet provider coming to central Pa.

Charlotte, North Carolina-based internet provider Brightspeed announced plans to reach up to 40,000 customers in Pennsylvania by the end of 2023, as part of the first phase of its fiber network build in the state.

Internet and Wi-Fi service will be available to residential and business locations in markets within Cumberland, Lancaster and York counties.

Brightspeed anticipates reaching over 150,000 more Pennsylvania customers in later phases.

“I’ve spent a major portion of my career serving communities, both large and small, across this great state,” Chris Creager, Brightspeed’s chief administration officer, said in a release. “I am proud of Brightspeed’s investment in the long-term future of Pennsylvania. Our new fiber network will be second to none in terms of technology and performance. Customers will be thrilled with our products and service delivery – super fast, ultra-reliable, affordable and simple to use. We are working now on the many preparations necessary to stand up the business for success from day one.”

He added: “In addition to our own build in Pennsylvania, we are equally enthused to work with key stakeholders at state and local levels, including the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, to further expand fiber-based internet through participation in state and federal broadband infrastructure grant programs as they arise.”

Pennsylvania is among the 20 states that comprise Brightspeed’s operating territory, mainly rural and suburban regions of the country. The company recently announced that it had secured necessary state-required regulatory approvals in these states.

In total, Brightspeed plans to invest more than $2 billion in a fiber optics transformation expected to reach up to 3 million homes and businesses in the next five years, including in many locations where fiber and advanced technology have not historically been available, the release noted.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

Shentel to build fiber-optic network in Franklin County

Shenandoah Communications Co. – Shentel for short – announced that it’s continuing to enlarge its footprint in central Pennsylvania.

Glo Fiber, powered by Edinburg, Virginia-based Shentel, has inked agreements to deliver its fiber-optic network with speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second to over 8,300 homes and businesses in Waynesboro, Shippensburg and Greencastle. Construction will begin this summer.

“We welcome the opportunity for our residents and businesses to have broadband options to choose from,” Jason Stains, manager of Waynesboro borough, said in a release.

Using Shentel’s 7,600-mile regional network, Glo Fiber provides multi-gigabit internet access, streaming TV and phone service in the mid-Atlantic region, with optional wall-to-wall Wi-Fi. Glo TV service is delivered via an app and is compatible with Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire Stick and many smart TVs with embedded streaming software. Glo Fiber has also recently expanded in Hanover and Carlisle, with construction underway in York and Lancaster counties, too.

“We are excited to begin this regional project in Franklin County,” said Chris Kyle, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs at Shentel. “… Fiber is considered the gold standard in this environment and we are proud to offer it as a competitive option in these boroughs.”

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer.

Comcast begins service to Colerain Township 

Comcast announced Wednesday that it has started providing services to customers in Colerain Township, Lancaster County, including residential broadband speeds up to 1.2 gigabits per second and business speeds up to 100 Gbps. 

The telecommunications giant is scheduled to complete the expansion of its network to the township by the end of June. 

Colerain Township residents and businesses can go to centralpa.comcast.com to see if they are already eligible for service and how to sign up. 

“We are proud to extend our advanced, fiber-rich network deeper into Lancaster County,” Greg Wells, vice president of sales and marketing for Comcast’s Keystone Region, said in a release. “And we are committed to continue innovating … and investing in our network as we know customers rely on us to keep them connected at home and on the go.” 

Colerain Township’s residential customers will have access to Xfinity’s full suite of Internet products, including xFi, a digital dashboard to control the home WiFi network; xFi pods, which are WiFi extenders; Xfinity Mobile; and Flex, a free 4K platform for Internet-only customers that delivers streaming content. 

 

Shentel to build fiber network in Lancaster 

Shenandoah Telecommunications Co., known as Shentel, is expanding its footprint in central Pennsylvania. 

Glo Fiber, powered by Shentel, has reached an agreement with municipal officials in Lancaster County to bring its fiber-optic network to Lancaster Township; Mountville borough; East Hempfield Township; West Lampeter Township; and Manheim Township. 

Construction will start this month in Lancaster Township, with East Hempfield close behind. Work will be completed over two years and provide a network to over 35,000 homes and businesses, a release said. 

Glo Fiber will offer three tiers of symmetrical, high-speed internet access; streaming TV; and unlimited local and long-distance phone service to the area. Delivered via an app, Glo TV service is compatible with Apple TV, Amazon’s Fire Stick and many smart TVs with embedded streaming software. Last year, Glo Fiber built a network and began offering service in Carlisle. 

“Our expansion further into Pennsylvania means we will bring more connectivity to areas and communities that need reliable, affordable internet services,” Chris Kyle, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs at Shentel, said in the release. 

Based in Edinburg, Virginia, Shentel owns a regional network with more than 7,400 route miles of fiber and over 220 macro cellular towers. 

 

Harrisburg nonprofit sells 1,800 mile fiber-optic network 

Harrisburg-based Keystone Initiative for Network-Based Education and Research (KINBER) has completed the sale of a majority of its assets to an Albany, New York-based fiber-optic provider. 

KINBER first announced in 2020 that it would be looking to sell its 1,800 mile-long fiber-optic network to FirstLight Fiber, a provider of fiber-optic data, internet, data center, cloud and voice services. 

KINBER built the network over the course of 10 years. The nonprofit provides network-based connectivity and services to over 135 Pennsylvania organizations such as higher education, K-12, libraries, local government and health care providers. 

The nonprofit said in a statement that it intends to continue its mission to provide research and education access along with investing in underserved and unserved communities. FirstLight will also continue to invest in KINBER’s networking needs. 

“KINBER is excited to have successfully concluded this transaction and complete the latest chapter in our organization’s history,” said Nathan Flood, CEO of KINBER. “Going forward, KINBER remains committed to providing research and education access to all community anchor institutions in the commonwealth. And we are focused on having a positive impact in the communities we serve and the people who live there through the advancement of technology, innovation and collaboration.” 

FirstLight operates across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. The company has recently expanded its footprint in Pennsylvania with the addition of a dedicated Pennsylvania sales team and approximately 1,000 miles of new fiber to its network in Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Scranton, Reading and Wilkes-Barre. 

“Through working with KINBER throughout this acquisition process, we have developed a strong, positive working relationship with the team and have come to consider them partners and teammates with a shared vision of how this network can benefit the institutions it has long supported, the businesses and organizations located within close proximity of this fiber network as well as the community at large,” said Patrick Coughlin, FirstLight chief business development officer. “We look forward to enhancing our relationship as we support KINBER’s new mission and focus.”