REPORT CALLS FOR LONG-TERM MONITORING OF BROADBAND COVERAGE

A state panel says Pennsylvania will need to continuously map the extent of high-speed broadband internet coverage to stay on top of changes in service areas.  A report by the legislative research agency called the Joint State Government Commission says the need is great for a permanent mapping project. It recommends that state agencies could periodically verify that areas that have been identified as served continue to receive service in case providers come and go, taking broadband coverage with them. This report released Monday is the fourth of five planned annual reports on the theme of delivering broadband services to underserved, mostly rural and inner urban, areas of Pennsylvania.