***IN PERSON REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. YOU ARE WELCOME TO REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION OR YOU CAN CONTACT JULIA PULIDINDI (JPULIDINDI@NTIA.GOV) TO BE PLACED ON A WAITLIST FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE.***

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Municipal League, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration invite you to Internet for All: Connecting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in State College.

This day long workshop will bring together critical stakeholders in Pennsylvania from the federal, state, tribal, and local governments, industry, and other key collaborators to discuss coordination on broadband efforts as the state prepares to receive significant broadband funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Connecting all people in Pennsylvania to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is critical to our economic stability and this event will provide an opportunity for us to discuss ways we can work together to efficiently and effectively utilize these federal dollars to the maximum extent. Below is a proposed agenda for the event (which is subject to change):

8:00 am: Registration

8:45 am: Welcome/Update on Implementation of Federal Programs

Brandon Carson, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Evan Feinman, BEAD Director, NTIA

9:00 am: Infrastructure Best Practices in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to many leading infrastructure specialists. Learned experiences and first-hand knowledge of what did and did not work can be critical when looking to expand in the unserved and underserved areas.

Panelists will discuss innovative approaches and best practices in infrastructure and how local governments can partner with industry and other stakeholders.

Moderator: Brandon Peters, Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
John Timney, Executive Director, Washington County Authority
President Commissioner Julie Wheeler, York County
Jessica Horan-Kunco, Planning Director, Erie County

9:45 am: Break

10:00 am: Why Digital Equity Matters

We live in a digital economy where everyday tasks like healthcare appointments and seeking employment opportunities can be accomplished utilizing digital technology.

Panelists will discuss the impact a digital economy has on its communities and the opportunities provided when equity is a driving factor.

Moderator: Julia Brinjac, Digital Equity Program Manager, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
Amy Huffman, Policy Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance
Jake Varn, Associate Manager, Pew Charitable Trusts
Knowledge Build Hudson, Digital Equity Advisor, NTIA

10:45 am: Infrastructure Access and Equity Barriers and Tools to Break Them Down

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing the unique infrastructure access and digital equity challenges across Pennsylvania.

Panelists will highlight some of the solutions that work to combat these challenges.

Moderator: Kevin Sunday, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Kate Rivera, Executive Director, Technology Learning Collaborative
Byron Wright, Computer Program Manager, Housing Authority, City of Pittsburgh
Nicole Ugarte, Federal Program Officer for Pennsylvania, NTIA
Jill Foys, Executive Director, Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission

11:30 am: Lunch

12:00 pm: Keynote Speaker

Secretary Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development

1:00 pm: Local Coordination: How to Get Involved/How to Maximize Dollars Regionally

Maximizing Pennsylvania’s broadband funding will rely on strong local and regional coordination.

Panelists will discuss how stakeholders can work with the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, and each other, to share needs, challenges, and solutions to access and equity challenges across the Commonwealth.

Moderator: Chris Field, Customer Success Manager, University of Pittsburgh
Juliet Fink Yates, Digital Inclusion Manager, City of Philadelphia
Commissioner Marty Qually, Adam County
Kristen Rotz, President, United Way of Pennsylvania
Matt Leonard, Manager, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association

2:00 pm: Break

2:15: Data Collection and Mapping - Why It Still Matters

This session will focus on Pennsylvania’s efforts to identify access, affordability, and adoption and why ongoing data updates are paramount to addressing Internet For All. Updates from the NTIA will also be provided.

Moderator: Scott Zubek, Director, GIS (Mapping), Tioga County
Kyle Snyder, Broadband Planning Specialist, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
Dr. Christopher Ali, Pioneers Chair, Profession of Telecommunications, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, PennState
Commissioner Dave Glass, Clearfield County
Nick Alexander, Senior Telecommunications Policy Analyst, NTIA (Virtual)

Additional Details

Please note that in-person registration closes at noon on Friday, July 7. There is no fee to attend this event. Lunch will be provided. If you have any special dietary needs, please contact Julia Pulidindi at (202) 748-7878 or jpulidindi@ntia.gov by Friday, June 30, 2023.

Upon request, accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided by calling (202) 748-7878 or emailing jpulidindi@ntia.gov by Friday, June 30, 2023.

Also upon request, voice interpretation services will be made available by contacting Julia Pulidindi at (202) 748-7878 or jpulidindi@ntia.gov by Friday, June 30, 2023.