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.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) team has been selected as recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Excellence — one of the highest honors in state government.  

The PBDA team received the honor for securing a historic $1.16 billion in federal funding and launching multiple competitive grant programs to bridge the digital divide. Congratulations to the Team! 

On June 6, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a BEAD Program Restructuring Policy Notice. As a result, PBDA deferred all Round One BEAD applications and will establish a new BEAD Round Two – the federally required “Benefit of the Bargain” Round. 

Recently released policy notices from the PBDA and BEAD Program resources are available to review: 

Digital Connectivity Technology Program round one recipient, Oshun Family Center, partnered with The African American Wellness Agency during their Black Men’s Wellness Event and used their laptops to provide mental health screenings to over 50 participants. 

The second application period for funding concluded May 30, 2025. PBDA received 128 applications across 40 counties and one state-wide project from educational facilities, social service providers, and local governments. 

On June 7, 2025, Upward Broadband opened their new tower in Deodate, PA, which will offer high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of Pennsylvanians.  

The new tower, opened by Upward Broadband, was funded through a Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) grant. It is one of the first BIP projects to be partially completed, with more expected to come online this summer and fall.

Reminder that Q2 reports are due no later than July 10, 2025, to include the Performance & Expenditure report and the annual performance report. Please connect with you project manager to confirm which documents are required for your project and reference the report timeline structure and grant program manager contact information, below. 

For questions about the quarterly report please reach out to PBDA’s Grants Manager, Pam Frontino. 

2025 Quarterly Report Timeline: Awardees must submit their quarterly federal reports by the dates below. 

For additional questions or requests for additional details, please reach out to: 

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