Trump’s Broadband Shift: Cheaper Internet Over Fiber for PA?

HARRISBURG — The Trump administration is pushing Pennsylvania and other states to prioritize cost-effective broadband options, like Elon Musk’s Starlink, potentially sidelining long-term fiber-optic projects.

New guidelines for the $42.5 billion federal broadband program emphasize affordability, prompting states to select proposals based on the lowest upfront cost. This shift favors wireless and satellite providers, making fiber-optic projects – previously prioritized – less competitive.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick advocates for the “cheapest, most efficient” broadband solutions. However, critics argue this approach sacrifices long-term benefits for immediate gains.

Christopher Ali, a Pennsylvania State University professor, warns against repeating past mistakes, emphasizing that the cheapest option today may not meet future bandwidth demands.

Pennsylvania is reassessing its initial applications, 90% of which proposed fiber projects, to comply with the new guidelines. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority is working to meet the accelerated timeline.

Approximately 255,000 homes and businesses in Pennsylvania lack broadband access. The federal grant program, part of the 2021 infrastructure package, aims to bridge this digital divide.

While fiber offers superior speed and reliability, its high cost and lengthy construction times are drawbacks. Steve Schwerbel of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association argues for quicker solutions, stating, “People…can’t wait four more years to get online.”

The new rules eliminate requirements for states to consider labor standards and workforce development, and weaken affordability mandates for low-income residents.

David Gibbons, CEO of a local internet service provider, expressed disappointment, stating, “Fiber is expensive…It’s also the only way to solve the broadband problem once and for all.”

Karen Vanco, a Crawford County resident, relies on Starlink but prefers fiber for its reliability and stability. She views fiber as a long-term investment in her community.

Pennsylvania must submit its revised grant applications by early September. The impact of these changes will become clearer upon federal review.