Cellular Infrastructure Program
DHCD plans to fund the expansion of cellular infrastructure and further develop the network of cellular towers to extend critical cellular connectivity in hard-to-reach places. Preliminary mapping shows over 41,000 homes and businesses that lack 4G connectivity (gray areas). These gray areas include over 10,800 miles of roads and 19,000 square miles of land area. Areas in yellow have 4G connectivity but still lack modern 5G connectivity from any carrier. Expanding cellular connectivity creates more resilient and connected communities across the Commonwealth, providing critical support for emergency services, supporting local governments and empowering the private sector with reliable connectivity to support business operations and innovation.
Multi-Dwelling Unit Program
A major gap in broadband access occurs when access is provided to a Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) but not to individual units. These gaps force families in MDUs to rely on slower, less secure Wi-Fi networks, if they're even available. These gaps contribute a significant part of the digital divide. This program would work with broadband providers to provide unit-level connectivity to unserved MDUs, prioritizing low-income housing, but focused broadly on all unserved MDUs.
State Agency Partnerships
DHCD is developing partnerships with other state agencies to implement broadband adoption programs under the other agencies’ respective missions and priorities. The Commonwealth’s state agency projects span across different focus areas supporting the digital needs of residents, supporting a wide range of program across precision agriculture, telehealth, digital literacy, cybersecurity, and more!
Satellite Capacity Initiative
Flaws in federal BEAD mapping will lead to gaps in connectivity, especially at recently built homes, secondary homes on a same parcel, and homes covered by dense tree canopies. DHCD will invest in innovative technology solutions, like low earth orbit satellite technologies, to reach left behind locations. These funds will also be available to draw upon in critical disaster relief situations when other broadband technologies are unavailable.
