Broadband Internet Service

The term broadband commonly refers to high-speed internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as:

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
• Cable Modem
• Fiber
• Wireless
• Satellite
• Broadband over Powerlines (BPL)

For more details on different types of broadband connections, please visit the FCC website.

Stay Connected with Lifeline - A brochure explaining telephone assistance programs. 

Chapter 30 Regulations

Broadband Bill of Rights - Under Pennsylvania law, residents have a right to broadband access.

PUC Chapter 30 regulations require companies to make broadband/Internet service available within 10 business days of a request at a speed equal to or grater than 1.544 megabits per second (mbps) in the downstream direction and equal to or greater than 128 kilobits per second (kbps) in the upstream direction.

A telephone company is permitted to meet its broadband obligation by using either its own facilities or the facilities of an affiliated company through any kind of technology.

Contact a telephone company of your choice to request broadband/internet service.

Lifeline Assistance for Broadband/Internet Service for Low-Income Consumers

Lifeline helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Starting on December 2, 2016, Lifeline support is available to help low-income Pennsylvanians obtain Internet access. Discounts will apply to stand-alone broadband, bundled voice-broadband packages—either fixed or mobile—and stand-alone voice service. As a Lifeline customer, you are automatically eligible to receive broadband service through your current telephone carrier. You may receive a discount for your landline, wireless or broadband service, but only ONE discount is available per household. 

For further information on how to apply for Lifeline, please visit the Lifeline Program page.

Questions regarding Lifeline Broadband/Internet service? Call the PUC's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-692-7380.

Department of Community & Economic Development

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has information on its website explaining about the Broadband Initiative in Pennsylvania.

It is indisputable that a successful telecommunications infrastructure is vital in the 21st century. With an expansive and established broadband service, Pennsylvania will be even more attractive to businesses; and, a wide-reaching broadband network will help schools to provide a more interactive learning environment in order to bridge the digital divide.

Increased telecommunication through broadband has many implications - some of which haven't even been discovered yet.

Participating Broadband Service Providers - DCED's website provides a comprehensive list of broadband providers in Pennsylvania.