The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has given permission for a local company to improve internet service in rural areas north of Butler County.
Armstrong Telecommunications has been granted designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier which is required under federal law before a company can access money available through the federal universal service fund.
Armstrong will be able to use this funding to build voice and broadband networks as well as provide related services in high-cost areas of the state including rural portions of Erie, Crawford, and Mercer Counties.
According to the PUC, Armstrong plans to provide service to nearly 2,000 locations by extending their existing fiber optic network at a cost of nearly $3 million. Armstrong will participate in the federal Lifeline program to offer service to low-income residents according to the law.
