ABOUT US

Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. (ABI) is a non-profit 501c3 corporation working to improve internet connectivity in the Southern Alleghenies Region (Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties). ABI is committed to the development of reliable, high-speed internet services for all residents and businesses. In partnering with public and private organizations, ABI aims to ensure that rural communities have the same access to high-quality internet service as those living in urban areas.

HISTORY

10-year Comprehensive Regional Plan Created

In 2015, the six County Planning Commissions of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, and Somerset Counties came together for their semi-periodic planning session, (convened by the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission (SAP&DC), the Local Development District). For the first time in the State’s history, 6 counties collectively determined a need for a regional 10-year plan. After securing funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the plan Alleghenies Ahead: a Comprehensive Plan for the Southern Alleghenies Region was produced and published, serving as a roadmap for activities within the region.

Southern Alleghenies Broadband Task Force Convened

The Southern Alleghenies Regional Broadband Task Force was convened in July 2018, charged with creating a comprehensive action plan that would guide affordable, reliable network implementation for all businesses and residents in the six-county region.
- In 2019, SAP&DC and the Task Force secured a $50,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) augmenting funding from each of the six Counties to complete a feasibility study to determine how to best increase access and availability to broadband services to residents and businesses.
  - A Community Survey was fielded in 2019 and a Serviceability Map was developed by SAP&DC in October 2020.

Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. non-profit 501c3 organization Launched

After significant study, the Southern Alleghenies Broadband Task Force determined there was a need for a Regional Broadband Entity that would promote and support the enhancement of broadband infrastructure through partnerships with incumbent providers, Rural Electric Cooperatives, state and federal funders, and other stakeholders.
- ABI Articles of Incorporation September 2020
- By-Laws adopted October 2020
- Executive Director and Board Members selected in Q4 2020
- Provisional authority granted by the PA PUC for ABI to serve as a Competitive Access Provider (CAP) – October 2021