According to task force members, four Internet access improvement projects are planned in three townships in Westmoreland County.
In a presentation at Ligonier Valley High School, county leaders said the townships of Ligonier, Fairfield, and Derry will be upgraded with broadband service.
“Over the past six months, the task force and county staff have worked with Michael Baker International Group to develop and deliver a feasibility report on the state of existing Internet infrastructure and services,” said County Planning. Director Jason Rigone said. “This report sets concrete goals for the next five years. We want everyone to have access to decent Internet services.”
Throughout the presentation, Rigone stressed the importance of celebrating technology and service availability.
Commissioner Gina Cerilli Thrasher says internet access is very important.
“We will bring broadband to unserved areas and improve access to essential everyday needs such as bill payments, telemedicine appointments, shopping, job search and application, and education. We’re working on that,” Thrasher said.
The report found that 29% of over 2,500 participants had unreliable or “very unreliable” internet access, and 3,506 locations, including 790 businesses in the county, had poor internet connections. It became clear that one thing turned out to be.
In the feasibility study, internet speeds in a region with download speeds below 25 megabits per second and upload speeds below 3 Mbps were considered unserviceable.
David Price, project manager at Michael Baker International, said: “As of today, the report’s findings have identified 145 Connectivity Opportunity Areas (new Service Areas) countywide, comprising 3,506 locations.”
Initial Action Project Sites were determined through an evaluation that prioritized areas most in need of broadband improvement. Delhi Township has two early action projects. Ligonier and Fairfield Townships have one each. Price said the four projects will connect his more than 400 locations.
The first step in each project is to confirm your chosen location with your local provider. Then ask for suggestions to carry out the project.
“Bridging the gap is imperative as internet access is required to participate in today’s society and these projects enhance the county’s economy and quality of life,” Thrasher said.
Haley Daugherty is a staff writer for Tribune-Review. 724-850-1203 or she can contact Haley at hdaugherty@triblive.com.
