FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE 

Contact:
Dr. Gregory Koons
Executive Director
Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29
gkoons@iu29.org
(570) 544-9131

Schuylkill Broadband Task Force Promotes Online for All Week of Action

Pottsville, PA (June 12, 2023) As a collaborative leadership effort, the Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force (BTF) was assembled as a subcommittee of the Schuylkill Chamber Infrastructure Committee with leaders from the Schuylkill Chamber, Schuylkill County Government, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, and community. “The BTF has been instrumental in developing a multidimensional task force working in collaboration and partnership through coordinating efforts to seek out grant funding for our community members with a mission of “Internet for All.”, announced Robert S. Carl, Jr., President & CEO, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce. “Access to Internet is the year 2023 is now as vitally important as access to our more traditional utilities in a world where access is critical for success.”

The week of June 12, 2023 marks the launch of a federal campaign, entitled, “Online for All”. Residents with limited or no connectivity are strongly encouraged to visit GetInternet.gov to learn about the many resources available to received affordable Internet services. Also, residents can learn about affordability options with the Affordable Connectivity Program by calling 877-384-2575.

Over the past three months, the BTF has met with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Municipal leaders to coordinate efforts for grant funding to maximize Internet accessibility across Schuylkill County. The BTF has been closely involved in the grant application process for ISPs for the Capital Projects Fund Broadband Infrastructure Program Grants. Eligible projects for the grant include either line extension and development or large-scale regional infrastructure. The BTF is actively seeking out grant applicants to vet their grant proposals with the goal of providing letters of support.

“With the onset of the Pandemic in 2020, we learned of the vital need of Internet accessibility for residents within Schuylkill County and beyond.”, says Dr. Gregory Koons, BTF Chair. “We spearheaded the task force as a regional effort to provide Internet connectivity to support education for our students and telework for area professionals.”

The BTF recommends that residents become educated on Broadband opportunities in PA by visiting the PA Broadband Authority website or contact via phone at 717-720-1396.

For additional information regarding the Schuylkill County Broadband Task Force, please contact Samantha Chivinski at schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com or 570-622-1942.