Bedford County Approves 2022 Broadband Investments, Commissioner Announces

Bedford County continues its efforts to expand high-speed internet to unserved parts of the county by approving a series of broadband investments through 2022. The efforts are categorized according to three phases and represent a comprehensive approach to solving the lack of broadband connectivity in the county.

In working to expand broadband coverage, Bedford County has collaborated closely with Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. (ABI), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving internet connectivity in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties. In recent months, ABI has been coordinating with local governments and internet service providers (ISPs) to expand reliable, high-speed internet to communities currently lacking service.

Bedford County Commissioner Deb Baughman said, “Bedford County is proud to announce a continued commitment to enhancing broadband infrastructure in our rural communities. We’ve worked closely with ABI on the development of this plan, and we’re excited to partner with Crowsnest Broadband to help make our vision a reality.”

Bedford County developed a Broadband Master Plan to provide a framework for the expansion of broadband infrastructure and connectivity throughout the county. The plan includes categorizing broadband expansion projects into three phases. Phase I includes projects that involve the installation of fixed wireless equipment on existing telecommunication towers. This phase includes Bedford’s partnership with Crowsnest Broadband to install equipment on 21 existing towers throughout Bedford County. Crowsnest has already installed equipment on 11 towers and the remaining 10 are scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2022. Bedford County contributed $944,186 to the Project, of which $524,306 has already been allocated to Crowsnest Broadband in 2021.