Shapiro Administration Plan to Drive Out… (BEAD)
Shapiro Administration Plan to Drive Out More Than $711 Million to Connect Every Pennsylvanian to High-Speed Internet
Approved by NTIA
The approved Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) projects will deliver transformative broadband expansion across the Commonwealth ― connecting all 129,356 remaining locations that lack high-speed internet service.
Governor Josh Shapiro continues to deliver on his promise to close the digital divide and connect every Pennsylvanian to reliable, affordable internet.
April 29, 2026
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved and executed an agreement with the Commonwealth to deploy $711,295,843 in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grants to connect the remaining locations across the Commonwealth that currently lack high-speed internet service.
Pennsylvania, which was originally awarded $1.16 billion in BEAD funding, is connecting all residents at a savings of more than $400 million, far less than originally anticipated thanks to the PBDA’s diligent work to connect all areas of the Commonwealth to high-speed internet while protecting taxpayer dollars.
“Since day one, my Administration has worked to connect every Pennsylvanian to high-speed, affordable internet — and we’re going to drive out these BEAD dollars quickly to close the digital divide by the end of this decade,” said Governor Shapiro. “Ensuring every Pennsylvanian can connect to the internet is critical for students who want to learn, patients in rural communities who want to see their doctor, and small business owners who want to find new customers and succeed in Pennsylvania. We are bringing people together to get stuff done in the Commonwealth, and this is another significant step forward in creating real opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.”
These provisional BEAD projects will allow the Commonwealth to reach homes and businesses that have long lacked reliable high-speed internet, by extending existing networks to more remote areas, and ensure communities benefit from fiber and hybrid-fiber coaxial infrastructure wherever feasible. In some areas, fixed wireless and low-Earth orbit (LEO) technologies will provide an effective and scalable option to close remaining coverage gaps.
Through Pennsylvania’s BEAD plan, 20 approved entities across 69 projects will connect a total of 129,356 unserved and underserved locations across Pennsylvania. Of those locations, 74,878 will be connected by fiber technology, 6,855 will be connected by hybrid-fiber coaxial, 17,739 through fixed-wireless, and 29,884 via LEO.
“NTIA’s approval of Pennsylvania’s BEAD Final Proposal is a significant milestone that moves us substantially closer to fulfilling our commitment to connect everyone in the Commonwealth to highspeed internet,” said PBDA Executive Director Carson. “This progress would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of the PBDA Board members and our partners across the state. The PBDA team will continue to work diligently to ensure these projects move forward quickly — bringing reliable, affordable service to the households, businesses, schools, and libraries that have gone without this essential connectivity for far too long.”
The BEAD program, established in accordance with the NTIA’s Notice of Funding Opportunity, NTIA’s BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, and Act 96 of 2021 utilizes funds allocated to Pennsylvania through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.
$204 million through the Broadband Infrastructure Program for projects to bring high-speed internet to over 100,000 Pennsylvanians in 42 counties across the Commonwealth that currently have no service or struggle with poor service.
$20 million to provide technology devices such as laptops for distribution to schools, libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, and other non-profits who can make them available to individuals that lack the technology needed to access the internet.
$45 million in Multi-Purpose Community Facilities grants to fund 49 projects in 26 counties that will support key projects in local communities and help connect Pennsylvanians to the internet at public-facing facilities such as schools, local libraries, and community health centers.
Updated resources for the BEAD program, including FAQs, can be found on the BEAD Program Page. Learn more about the work to close the digital divide in the Commonwealth.
Media Contacts
Governor’s Press Office
ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov
717-783-1116
Good News and next steps
CoreConnect has received good news. On February 9, 2026, Pennsylvania’s BEAD award disbursement plan received final approval from the NTIA. On March 6, 2026, the final federal approval of the details was given by the NIST Grant Office. The clock is now ticking since Pennsylvania must now sign binding agreements with subgrantees no later than 6 months from the date of NIST approval.
While we wait for our grant contract to sign, CoreConnect is moving forward by signing the contracts for final engineering and operation of the network, speaking with pole owners to obtain permits to place fiber lines, finalizing steps as a non-profit and more.
Among the next steps will be to determine priority areas to begin to build the network. This is a large project across ten counties (Erie, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Clarion, Warren, Forest, Elk and Cameron). It will take time to cover the entire footprint, although we must complete the grant funded portion within four years. Some planned or upcoming projects may influence that schedule, for instance a new business complex to be built or a medical clinic that needs telemedicine access. Use the Contact Us form to tell us of need in your area. We will also be speaking with municipalities to determine if there are ordinances or permitting and zoning requirements that must be met and the process for doing so.
It will be very important to keep the lines of communication open between CoreConnect Community Broadband all those that we must work with to complete this project and the public who will use our network. BEAD grant funding will have many requirements for use and reporting with transparency at the top of that list. Our website will be updated as the project progresses.
Historic Win: CoreConnect Awarded $90.6M to Expand Broadband Across Northwest PA
It All Begins Here
February 10, 2026
We are thrilled to share a milestone moment for our region. Pennsylvania has received final approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for its BEAD funding—and CoreConnect Community Broadband is ready to get to work.
The Impact: 10 Counties. 10,327 Locations.
CoreConnect has been awarded $90,661,771 in BEAD funding to deploy high-speed fiber broadband across Northwest Pennsylvania. This isn't just about faster internet; it’s about ensuring that 10,327 homes and businesses—many of which have been left behind for too long—finally have the tools to thrive in a digital world.
Building the Backbone of Our Future
This investment allows us to bridge the digital divide at scale. By bringing reliable, high-speed fiber to our 10-county footprint, we are laying the foundation for:
Economic Opportunity: Strengthening our regional economy and creating a 21st-century workforce.
Education & Healthcare: Ensuring remote learning and telehealth are accessible to everyone, regardless of zip code.
Quality of Life: Supporting the innovation and entrepreneurship that makes Northwest PA a great place to live.
A Shared Success
This achievement is the culmination of years of collaboration, planning, and advocacy. CoreConnect grew out of the Northwest Commission’s CEDS Broadband Action Team, and this win belongs to the regional partners, local leaders, and community stakeholders who stayed committed to this vision.
"We’re proud of what this milestone represents—and even more excited about what comes next as we work together to build a more digitally inclusive future for Pennsylvania."
Stay Connected
As we move from the planning phase into deployment, we want you involved. Whether you are a local leader, a business owner, or a resident, there will be ongoing opportunities to engage and stay informed.
Partner With Us: Contact the CoreConnect Team