Obscure state law could hold up broadband expansion

What was driven home the past two years to many Pennsylvania students, those who worked from home and businesses was how spotty or non-existent high speed internet service was. Expanding broadband internet became a priority.

The $1 billion dollars in infrastructure money coming to Pennsylvania from the federal government for broadband expansion was thought to be an answer. But local communities that wanted to build their own broadband networks are facing another challenge – an obscure 2004 state law intended to keep publicly-owned telephone companies from competing with utilities.

Spotlight PA reporter Charlotte Keith broke this story last week and is on Monday's Smart Talk to tell us why this has become an issue.

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