The Dauphin County Commissioners and Comcast are announcing efforts to expand broadband internet access for northern Dauphin County communities.

The $4.1 million project will offer high-speed internet options to nearly 500 homes and businesses, filling a great need exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic when students were challenged with remote learning and many workplaces shifted to work-from-home schedules.

Homes and businesses in these municipalities will benefit from the expansion project: Lykens, Mifflin, Upper Paxton, Reed, Wayne, Jefferson, Halifax, Washington, and Jackson townships, as well as Halifax Area, Millersburg, Susquenita, and Upper Dauphin Area school districts.

“Expanding the broadband grid has been a priority for quite some time – it was just a matter of finding the right partner,” Mike Pries, Chairman of the Dauphin County Commissioners, said. “This project will improve quality of life north of the mountain.”

Alka Patel, Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Impact for Comcast’s Keystone Region, said: “We are proud to join with the Dauphin County Commissioners in this effort where we can continue our investments in rural Pennsylvania communities. We are committed to connecting as many families and businesses as possible to our smart, fast and reliable fiber-rich network.”

Engineering work is expected to commence soon, and physical construction of the network, which will bring speeds of up to 1.2 gigabits per second, is planned for 2023.

“We saw and heard about the challenges students had finding a fast connection for their schoolwork,” Commissioner Chad Saylor said. “Some families resorted to driving many miles to a café or business.”

Dr. David R. Hatfield, Superintendent of Halifax Area School District, said:

“Affordable high-speed internet has become essential for students, families, and businesses in our community and across the Commonwealth. For our students, increased internet access means greater access to not only assignments and educational resources, but also to telehealth to support their physical and social emotional wellness.”

The commissioners have been working for years to find a partner for the project, having learned of the hardship from parents, school administrators and educators, and business owners.

“Having easy access to fast, secure internet service should not be a luxury,” Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said.

Dauphin County will fund 75 percent of the project as a one-time contribution, and Comcast will commit the remaining funds to build the network. Comcast will be responsible for maintenance of the network.

The partners will communicate with impacted school districts, businesses, and residents as the project progresses.