June 2023

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) newsletter! Read on for the latest updates and news from the PBDA on grant opportunities, deadlines, and ways to support broadband efforts across the Commonwealth.

Reminder, the BEAD Program application window for Period One is open until Tuesday, January 21, 2025. For additional information, the following resources are available: 

An application overview webinar is now available. For additional questions specific to the program, guidelines, or application details, please email ra-dcpbda_bead@pa.gov. For questions regarding the Electronic Single Application (ESA) system, including functionality, access troubleshooting, or overall assistance, please email ra-dcedcs@pa.gov. 

On December 12, 2024, Pennsylvania received approval for the first tranche of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding. The $25.5 million award will support Pennsylvania’s State Digital Equity Plan, including new competitive sub-grants to organizations committed to closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania. 

Learn more about the Digital Equity Capacity Grant. 

The list of current designated Broadband Ready Communities (BBRC) is now available! 

Learn more about the BBRC Program and how your community can participate. Submissions are due March 31, 2025. Please email questions about this program to ra-dcbroadbandready@pa.gov. 

Along with the new updates and search features added to the Pennsylvania Broadband Map, a video tutorial is now available. This video walks through how to navigate, read, and filter the map using the new updates. 

In 2025, PBDA will open a second round of applications for the Digital Connectivity Technology Program. In preparation for this second round of funding, the PBDA will be hosting informational webinars in Q1 of 2025. Please check the PBDA News & Events page for more information, in the coming weeks. 

Marshall Fischer will be joining the PBDA team as Broadband Technical Specialist. Marshall specializes in GIS and will conduct mapping and data analysis for the PBDA. 

All PBDA Board meetings and Sub-Committee meetings are open to the public and always allow for public comment.

If you have questions about closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania, email the
PA Broadband Development Authority or connect with us by phone
at 1.866.466.3972.

Department of Community & Economic Development | dced.pa.gov