About the Project
Westmoreland County is committed to ensuring that every resident and business – regardless of location – has access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband service. The Westmoreland Broadband Program was launched to close connectivity gaps, support economic growth, and improve quality of life across the county.
Foundation and Planning
The program began in 2022 with a countywide Data Collection and Feasibility Study to assess broadband access in Westmoreland County, including a survey, field inventory, and speed testing to identify gaps in service.
Findings showed existing data overstated availability, enabling the County to more accurately target investment, pursue funding, and partner with providers. The County then identified Connectivity Opportunity Areas (COAs) and prioritized Early Action Areas in Derry, Fairfield, and Ligonier Townships for initial deployment.
Measurable Progress
Through a partnership with Verizon, Westmoreland County launched construction in 2024 to bring fiber-optic broadband to the Early Action Areas. In less than a year, infrastructure was installed and made available to more than 400 previously unserved locations, connecting residents and businesses with high-speed internet for the first time.
The County invested American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help make this expansion possible, ensuring that critical infrastructure could be delivered at no direct cost to residents in these areas.
These early investments are already helping communities access jobs, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities that depend on reliable internet service.
Advancing Connectivity
- Partnering with additional internet service providers to expand service into remaining COAs
- Leveraging state and federal funding programs, including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program
- Advancing competitive grant applications and strategic investments to maximize coverage
- Continuing to refine data and engage communities to ensure resources are directed where they are needed most
The long-term goal is simple: universal access to high-speed, reliable broadband across Westmoreland County, supporting resilient communities, a strong economy, and equal opportunities for all residents.
Goals for Broadband Improvements
Public and stakeholder participation helped establish five goals for broadband improvements in the county. These goals will guide the next steps in the planning process and identify the leadership roles needed to support broadband advancement.
Broadband Program Timeline
A lot has been happening with the Westmoreland Broadband Program in a short amount of time. Below is a timeline highlighting milestones and the next steps.
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March 2024
Verizon begins infrastructure construction for Early Action areas
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July 2023
Verizon selected to service Early Action areas
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January 19, 2023
Final Report findings released to the public
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January 13, 2023
FCC broadband map challenges submitted
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December 9, 2022
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) releases the broadband access map that shows all broadband serviceable locations across the United States
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November 10, 2022
The survey results are made public
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October 27, 2022
Education and Business & Industry focus group workshop
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October 12, 2022
Municipal leaders workshop
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September 28, 2022
Taskforce meeting
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August 18, 2022
Public Safety focus group workshop
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July 18, 2022
Website launch, Internet Survey and Speed Test opens, and fieldwork begins
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July 13, 2022
First Taskforce meeting
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