Improved internet connectivity is the goal of a $21 million broadband expansion project in southern York County.
Ground was broken Nov. 5 on the project that will bring high-speed fiber internet to nearly 3,000 homes and businesses in New Freedom, Railroad, Glen Rock, Seven Valleys and adjacent areas.
York County commissioners, members of the YoCo Fiber Broadband Task Force and Talkie Communications officials were on hand for the groundbreaking on the project, which will take around 10 months to complete, according to a statement released by York County officials.
“This project is about more than technology; it’s about connecting people and communities,” stated York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler. “Broadband internet access is essential to ensuring our residents and businesses have the basic infrastructure they need to succeed.”
The partnership with Talkie Communications is part of York County’s goal to close the digital divide countywide.
York County Commissioners created the YoCo Fiber Broadband Task Force in 2021 to provide advice on the best way to close the county’s digital divide. Over the last 5 years, the task force has coordinated with the public and private sectors to attract investment in broadband to York County.
The task force has undertaken projects in both rural and urban portions of York County, including a public wireless network in the City of York and Hanover, a portion of which will be activated later this year.
Maryland-based Talkie Communications serves more than 20,000 households with approximately 3,000 miles of fiber, including just across the border from York County.
“Talkie Communications has a proven reputation in the Maryland market, and their expansion into York County represents another choice for our residents and a welcome investment in our broadband infrastructure,” said YoCo Fiber Broadband Task Force Chairperson Silas Chamberlin.
Residents in the connected communities will be able to sign up for internet service as portions of the network are completed.
