Non-Project Broadband Funding in Beaver County 

The Beaver County Commissioners are taking meaningful steps to expand reliable, high-speed Internet access across the region by setting aside American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funds. Separately but with a shared goal, through the previously announced Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), substantial federal funding is also supporting efforts to bridge the digital divide and deliver broadband service to the county’s underserved communities. 

This web page provides information about RDOF, its impact locally, and what residents and businesses can expect in the coming years. 

What Is RDOF? 

The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is a federal initiative designed to support the expansion of high-speed Internet infrastructure in rural and underserved areas across the United States. By providing financial resources to Internet service providers, RDOF aims to ensure that all Americans have access to fast, reliable broadband, regardless of where they live. 

Nationally, RDOF will disburse up to $20.4 billion over 10 years, with carriers required to complete deployment before the end of 2028. The first of two phases ended in November 2020 and awarded $9.2 billion to 180 winning bidders that agreed to provide services to more than five million locations that were in census blocks entirely unserved. Phase two will award up to another $11.2 billion to service provider applicants for census blocks that are partially served. Nearly all of the RDOF-designated locations are expected to receive broadband access with speeds of 100 megabits per second (MBPS) download and 20 megabits per second upload (100/20). 

Due to their RDOF-designated status, these addresses were previously rendered ineligible or already “served” by the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband fabric map that served as a baseline for the Connect Beaver County Broadband Program. Therefore, it has been understood by the Beaver County Commissioners that these locations are off limits for county funding because of their eligibility for federal funding. Beaver County has a vested interest in the success of this program and continues to maintain open communication with all internet service providers in the county. However, Beaver County is not directly responsible for federal funding program management or deployment.  

For more information regarding RDOF, visit the FCC website. 

Beaver County’s RDOF Broadband Provider 

After a competitive selection process at the federal level, Kinetic by Windstream was awarded the RDOF funding to expand broadband services to eligible homes and businesses in Beaver County. Currently already a trusted service provider to many local residents, Kinetic by Windstream will be bringing state-of-the-art fiber-optic technology to even more locations in our county. Specific addresses are expected to be shared by Kinetic by early 2027.  

What Should You Do Next? 

1. Check your address using our Connectivity Tracker Tool to see if your home is in an RDOF-funded (light orange) area. 
2. Contact Kinetic at 1-800-347-1991 if you have any questions.  
3. While you wait for new high-speed service through RDOF, use our Affordability Finder to determine other internet service providers currently in your area that may offer programs of interest to you in the interim.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will my home get high-speed Internet? 

• • If your address is in an RDOF-funded area, installation may begin as soon as construction is complete, typically within 1-2 years. More than 50 locations in Beaver County have already received connectivity through RDOF and Kinetic. Per funding guidelines, all RDOF locations must receive new service before the end of 2028.  

• Who do I contact for more information?  

• • Call Kinetic directly at 1-800-347-1991 for assistance. 

• What kind of Internet will be available?  

• • Kinetic by Windstream will provide high-speed, fiber-optic broadband service, offering faster speeds and greater reliability than legacy technologies. Speeds are expected to exceed 100/20 MBPS. 

BEAD Funding 

Through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD), Pennsylvania has been awarded $1.16 billion. These federal investments are being directed to help close the digital divide in our state, making it possible for more residents and businesses to benefit from modern broadband services. This initiative is especially impactful for rural and remote areas in the county that have historically faced barriers to connectivity. 

This could mean another significant new funding opportunity for Beaver County, supporting the expansion of reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities.  

As BEAD-funded projects roll out, eligible households in Beaver County may see a wider range of affordable internet options, with improved speeds and service reliability. These efforts complement ongoing programs like RDOF and local provider initiatives, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to participate in today’s digital economy, access essential online services, and stay connected with family and community.  

Residents are encouraged to check for updates on project timelines and provider availability as BEAD implementation progresses. 

CPF Funding (Capital Projects Fund) 

The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded Pennsylvania $279 million for capital projects in areas that lack critical infrastructure—including broadband. In June 2022, the Pennsylvania General Assembly directed these funds to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), which established grant programs for projects meeting program and federal guidelines.  

In Beaver County, Comcast has received CPF funding to help expand reliable, high-speed internet in unserved and underserved communities. Comcast teams anticipate meeting CPF’s December 2026 deadline. To view locations, use the New Broadband Service Connectivity Tracker and select the “Layers” toolbar, then turn on the CPF addresses filter. 

To learn more about the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) program visit the U.S. Department of Treasury website.