The Bedford County commissioners have issued an appeal to community leaders, schools, businesses and residents to help position the county to receive additional broadband funding for those who are unserved or underserved by high-speed internet.
A new broadband map has been released by the Federal Communications Commission with the ability to challenge broadband service data by individual address.
Challenges must be made by Jan. 13, a process that will help determine how the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding will be allotted. The $42 billion included in this program is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As the federal government determines where to deploy funding, the commissioners say it is critical that Bedford County Map inaccuracies are corrected.
“And currently, there are many inaccuracies,” their appeal states.
The commissioners ask people to go to the Bedford County website at www.bedfordcountypa.org. Click on the news page to access the broadband map where individuals can input their address and begin a challenge. Detailed directions can also be found there to assist with completing a challenge. The broadband map can be accessed directly at https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home.
Help stations are available for those without access at all Bedford County libraries:
Bedford: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Everett: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from12 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hyndman: Monday 11 a.m. to p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saxton: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 9a.m. to 1 p.m.
Help is also available at the commissioners’ office on the third floor beginning Jan. 3 on weekdays through Jan. 13. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CONTACTS
Commissioners’ Office: 814-623-4807.
County Planning Dept: 814-623-4827.
County GIS Dept: 814-624-2688.
Bedford Library 814-623-5010.
Everett Free Library 814-652-5922.
Hyndman-Londonderry Library 814-842-3782.
Saxton Community Library 814-635-3533.