Connect Fayette PA

We're Planning for
a More Connected Future in Fayette County

Fayette County is taking steps to ensure all residents and businesses can access fast, affordable, reliable internet. Expanding broadband in the county will make all our communities more resilient and sustainable. The Connect Fayette: Analyzing Broadband Infrastructure Study is a critical step in developing a roadmap for future infrastructure improvements, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

About the Analysis

Now, more than ever, broadband internet access is a crucial service to those who live, work, and learn in Fayette County.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, home internet was viewed as a luxury, but we quickly learned that high-speed broadband is an essential utility, like water or electricity. In our modern communities, high-speed internet is the means by which we attend school, work from home, apply for jobs, receive healthcare and so much more.

Fayette County leaders recognize that the need for better broadband internet is here, yet many homes still don’t have reliable access. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the County may qualify for funds that can help address gaps in internet service for residents and businesses.

The survey and speed test acted as the first steps in building a more connected Fayette County. Unserved and underserved locations have since been identified. Please refer to the official Fayette County Broadband Infrastructure Analysis to learn more about what we heard and saw from local residents.

Fast. → Fiber. → Fayette.

From Your Commissioners

Dave Lohr

Chairman

“Reliable high-speed internet is a necessity for Fayette to continue to be competitive in the modern, tech-based economy,” said Dave Lohr, Fayette County Commissioner. “Our residents’ participation is key to unlocking access to unprecedented funding opportunities that have recently become available.”

Vincent A. Vicites

First Vice-Chair

“This survey will help develop our strategy for increasing high-speed internet access to underserved and unserved residents in the county,” said Vincent Vicites, Fayette County Commissioner. “We’re encouraging every resident to take the survey and ensure their household’s needs are met.”

Scott Dunn

Second Vice-Chair

“The pandemic illuminated the need for all Fayette families to have access to broadband internet,” said Scott Dunn, Fayette County Commissioner. “Upgrading our internet will ensure Fayette County can continue to be competitive in education, industry, and the digital economy.”

Find out how better internet access can help residents of Fayette County:

EDUCATION

It's estimated that 16 million K-12 public school students nationwide don't have reliable access to the internet, leaving them at a significant disadvantage to their peers. Students with high-speed internet access routinely demonstrate higher digital literacy, complete more assignments, and earn better grades.

HEALTH CARE

The benefits of internet access to health care include better access to information and advice as well as timeliness and efficiency of care. Medical cellphone apps can provide a patient's medical history on-demand, while tele-med appointments are a critical option for those who cannot drive or risk exposure during a pandemic.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Millions of jobs are generated by, if not dependent on reliable internet connections. It is now possible for businesses and employees to efficiently operate from anywhere, but regions of the country lacking strong internet connection will be passed over for this potential boom of economic development.

PUBLIC SAFETY

The internet can aid law enforcement by giving important insights when they need them the most. A more accurate signal might be a lifesaver for a lost hiker trying to make contact. Better broadband may also mean real-time data that can help law enforcement recover a stolen vehicle. Modern public safety will become increasingly connected.

AGRICULTURE

According to the USDA, 29% of U.S. farms nationwide have no access to the internet. However, high-speed internet access is critical to managing and operating a successful agriculture business. High-speed internet means better communication with customers, increasing profitability through more efficient resource management, and so much more.

QUALITY OF LIFE

From online banking and entertainment streaming, to shopping and socializing, a full, productive life in our modern society can only be achieved through a high-speed internet connection. Current and future generations of Americans will be left out if they are not afforded this access.

Understanding Internet Speed

Whether it’s streaming video, social media, or shopping online, so much of our lives require a dependable internet connection. During the survey, participants were able to test their download and upload speeds in real-time.

How is speed measured?

Megabits per second (Mbps). The Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. Pennsylvania recently set a state minimum of 100 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds.

What is an upload speed?

The rate that data or information is transferred from a user’s computer or device to the internet.

What is a download speed?

The rate that data or information can be received by a user’s computer or device from the internet.

What Can I Do with My Internet?

FAQ

We know you have questions. If you don’t find an answer in our FAQs, please send us a message using the Contact Us form at the bottom of this webpage.

What is Broadband?

Broadband, or high-speed internet, allows users to access the internet at significantly higher speeds than those with dial-up services.

Is the information I provided in the survey safe?

Yes. If you took the survey, the information you provided is kept secure and will only be used for broadband planning purposes and never sold.

When might I expect to receive faster internet speeds as a result of this survey?

Once funding is secure, we’ll be able to identify Early Action Project areas as well as develop a schedule for the remaining areas of the County. Join our email list to receive the latest County broadband news, and be the first to know when high-speed internet is coming to your area!

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Questions or concerns can be sent to feedback@connectfayettepa.com or call 724-495-4360.

Can I still participate?

No. The survey is now closed, and results are available for public view in the Connect Fayette: Broadband Expansion Study.

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Contact Us

We’re here to help. Feel free to contact us with your questions or concerns, and we’ll make every effort to respond in a timely manner.