State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) has re-introduced legislation, SB 85. that will modernize and streamline telecom regulations in Pennsylvania. Hill, Senate Majority Caucus Chair and vice-chair of the Communications & Technology Committee, introduced the legislation last session as SB 341. In her co-sponsorship memo, Hill said that the legislation is “long overdue, and is a […]
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Speed minimums and muni broadband partnership provisions in proposed legislation are misdirected, ineffective
Proposed legislation in Harrisburg that would mandate minimum broadband speeds for regulated phone carriers and allow municipal governments to own and operate their own broadband networks will waste taxpayer dollars and bring zero benefit to Pennsylvania consumers.
PTA President cautions against squandering federal broadband dollars
One of the biggest concerns of the rural telephone industry over the upcoming disbursement of millions in federal broadband dollars is the prospect of squandering the money on unnecessary or unsustainable projects, President of the Pennsylvania Telephone Association (PTA), Steve Samara, told the Board of Directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “Don’t repeat the […]
PENNSYLVANIA’S RURAL LOCAL TELCOS STAND READY TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR NEW BROADBAND AUTHORITY
Pennsylvania’s rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) are eager to throw their support and decades of expertise behind the implementation of Act 96, the recently enacted law that created the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.
Samara cautions against network overbuilding
Before a Senate/House joint committee hearing, PTA President Steve Samara cautioned against repeating mistakes of earlier federally funded broadband programs, including overbuilding of broadband networks.
With no negative votes, House approves rural broadband legislation
The state House sent the Senate HB 1658, which broadens the current ability of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to move public utility infrastructure, and enter into cost sharing agreements with rural landline telcos during road and bridge projects.
Legislation freeing up investment money for rural broadband clears House committee
With no negative votes, the House Transportation Committee on June 22 approved legislation, HB 1658, that broadens the current ability of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PaDOT) to move certain public utility infrastructure, and enter into cost sharing agreements with rural landlines telcos during road and bridge projects. The legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Doyle […]