Alleghenies and Crowsnest Expand Fiber Optic Internet in Blair County

Expanding Broadband Access: A New Initiative in Blair County

Residents of Blair County, Pennsylvania, are set to benefit from a significant broadband expansion initiative aimed at overcoming connectivity challenges in rural areas. This effort, spearheaded by Alleghenies Broadband with the collaboration of Crowsnest Broadband, is poised to transform internet access for over 530 locations currently without high-speed connectivity.

Duncansville, PA — In a recent announcement, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson highlighted the progress of a $2.4 million network expansion in Blair County. This project, once completed, will extend 70 miles of fiber optic lines to deliver high-speed internet to underconnected rural communities.

The PBDA has leveraged over $1.8 million in federal funding via the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) to realize this endeavor. The project aims to serve Houston, Juniata, and North Woodbury townships, all of which lack high-speed internet access. The remaining funds are provided by Alleghenies and Crowsnest to cover the full project costs.

“We are thrilled to see another crucial broadband project completed in our Commonwealth, giving more Pennsylvanians long-awaited access to internet they can afford,” stated PBDA Executive Director Carson. This initiative is expected to boost local businesses and enhance community strength, making Pennsylvania's economy more competitive.

The BIP, backed by the U.S. Treasury's Capital Projects Fund, awards grants for both line extensions and regional infrastructure projects, ensuring that they deliver service speeds exceeding 100/20 Mbps.

A significant milestone was reached in April 2024 when the PBDA allocated $204 million across 53 projects in 42 counties, impacting more than 100,000 residents. This funding, coupled with over $200 million in private investment, signifies a total commitment of over $400 million to enhance broadband access in Pennsylvania's underserved regions.

Alleghenies Broadband and Crowsnest Broadband have joined forces to extend high-speed internet in the Southern Alleghenies. Alleghenies Broadband, a nonprofit initiative, coordinates funding and planning, while Crowsnest Broadband, an Altoona-based ISP, plays a pivotal role in executing these expansions.

“Alleghenies Broadband is excited to celebrate the completion of a portion of our CPF Project with Crowsnest Broadband. Communities like Juniata Township in Blair County have been unserved for too long and we’re happy to see residents now have access to reliable, high-speed fiber technology that is also affordable for them,” noted Dustin Bishop, Project Manager for Alleghenies Broadband, Inc.

Highlighting the unique challenges of the project, Dwayne Zimmerman, Founder of Crowsnest Broadband, remarked, “Overcoming the challenges of building fiber in such a remote and rugged area was no small task, but today, Juniata Township joins the modern age of connectivity.”

The Shapiro Administration has been proactive in addressing connectivity gaps statewide. Initiatives include a $45 million commitment to the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, a $20 million laptop distribution program, a $1.16 billion federal funding allocation for broadband expansion, and a comprehensive five-year action plan to improve access across the state.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s website.