Residents Asked To Check Internet Availability Maps
Potter County officials are asking residents to review information recently released by the Federal Communications Commission showing availability of high-speed internet service throughout the United States. It is critical for the FCC maps to be accurate, since they will be used for grants to improve or expand service. Additional information, including steps that can be taken to correct inaccurate or incomplete data, can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/national-broadband-map-outreach-toolkit. Details on the mapping project and related topics have been compiled by the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development and can be found here.
High-speed internet service is rapidly evolving from a lifestyle option to a necessity across Pennsylvania. In response, Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel have made the expansion of broadband service one of their highest priorities. It offers opportunities for economic development, expansion of health care and education, and many other public benefits. Many Potter County households and businesses have no high-speed internet service or lack sufficient capacity to meet today’s demands. Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative’s high-speed internet project is filling many of the gaps. The county’s GIS/Planning/Community Development Department is identifying gaps in broadband service in and around Potter County and potential partners and funding sources to fill those gaps.