A public hearing of the State Senate Communications and Technology Committee will be held today at Blue Spruce Park to discuss access to high-speed broadband internet across the commonwealth, specifically in rural areas. Blue Spruce has no real access to broadband, making it the perfect locale for the hearing.
The hearing will feature three panels…Panel One will include Public Utility Commissioner Norman Kennard, Barry Denk of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Sherri Collins, representing the Governor’s Office of Broadband Initiatives, Verizon’s Frank Buzydlowski, and Steven Samara of the Pennsylvania Telephone Association.
Panel Two’s speakers will be Kristopher Gazsi of the Pennsylvania Local Government Commission, Joseph Gerdes III of the Association of Township Supervisors, and County Commissioner Rod Ruddock.
Panel Three will feature remarks from David Taylor of the Pennsylvania manufacturer’s Association, Edward Matts of the North Central PA Regional Planning & Development Commission, and Chad Carrick of REA Energy.
Senator Joe Pittman says rural broadband is an extremely important issue for Indiana County and the state.
The hearing is at the Blue Spruce Lodge from 10 AM to noon.
