On a 6-5 vote, the Senate Communications & Technology Committee cleared SB 491, a modernization of state regulations covering rural incumbent carriers, or RLECs, the frontline providers of broadband in rural Pennsylvania. The legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Telephone Association (PTA) and business and economic development groups across Pennsylvania. Prior to approval, sponsor of […]
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If the federal government is investing in the future of broadband, why is Pennsylvania so stuck in the past?
As federal money pours in for rural broadband, Pennsylvania remains stuck in a decades-old regulatory climate covering rural internet providers. At stake are the competitive benefits that accrue to customers who have service available from a variety of providers who are all regulated similarly. Legislation in Harrisburg that would modernize regulations covering rural internet providers […]
Business leaders urge Senate committee chair to enhance broadband deployment by taking up telco dereg legislation
Leaders of the broadband and business communities have penned a letter to state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks, Montgomery), chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, to take up legislation that will eliminate outdated state regulations hindering broadband deployment, especially in costly rural areas of the state. The letter signed by Steven J. Samara, President […]
State House Bill is Best Way to Slow Down Broadband Deployment in Pennsylvania
Legislation recently introduced in the state House is a surefire way of killing investment in rural broadband, and it’s being introduced just as over a billion dollars in federal money is about to roll into the Commonwealth to help bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas. HB 924 is deceptively being sold as […]
The Regulatory Pendulum Swings in Pennsylvania and Broadband Consumers Should Pay Attention
Two recent developments have highlighted just how important it is to get telecommunications regulation right for broadband consumers in Pennsylvania. One is beneficial to consumers and providers, the other just the opposite. On the pro-consumer side is the recent issuing of a co-sponsor memo by State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) announcing the reintroduction of her […]
Samara joins roundtable discussion with Congressman Joyce and FCC Commissioner Carr to urge for streamlining broadband deployment process
On August 6, PTA President Steve Samara joined FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr and Congressman John Joyce (PA-13) in Altoona for a roundtable discussion on impediments to rural broadband deployment in Pennsylvania. “PTA has been advocating for several years in support of streamlined telco regulations to save investment dollars that could be devoted to broadband deployment,” […]
Outdated telco regulations trimmed in Phillips-Hill legislation cleared by Senate Committee
Legislation that would eliminate outdated regulations for landline phone carriers that have been on the books for decades cleared the Senate Communications and Technology Committee this week in a victory for speedier broadband deployment. The legislation, SB 85, sponsored by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York), would strike regulations enacted in an era when the incumbent phone […]