Pennsylvania legislators found a smart way to expand broadband coverage to more consumers: leasing out government property. Oddly, they let it fall by the wayside.
The State-owned Assets and Broadband Services Act would have taken stock of public assets that could facilitate broadband deployments and lease them out to communications service providers. Proceeds would have been reinvested into further development, and municipalities would be required to settle the new lease agreements within 90 days. Such an approach to expanding broadband access showcases resourceful policymaking that should be carried forward into the next legislative session.
Putting existing government property to good use and imposing shot clocks on bureaucrats can help expand communications networks to yet-unserved consumers without committing any new tax dollars. Once localities identify all government assets already within striking distance of closing the digital divide, shot clocks on approving the lease agreements can limit needless delay; a move closely aligned with recently expedited permitting for Pennsylvania broadband projects.
The ideas in the Act fit well with what the Commonwealth has done before. For example, existing limits on municipal permitting and zoning fees prevent local officials from needlessly charging wireless broadband facilities an arm and a leg to build out to unserved consumers, which could otherwise discourage further expansion efforts. Additionally, the voluntary Broadband Ready Communities program coordinates permitting standards across local boundaries, saving builders time and resources. Each of these can help make building in Pennsylvania much more attractive to internet service providers (ISPs), giving consumers a more competitive marketplace.
Combined with existing initiatives, the ideas in the State-owned Assets and Broadband Services Act can contribute to a strong mesh of targeted fixes that make it easier to connect consumers.
The bottom line: consumers need reliable broadband access. Opportunities for work, further education, and convenient telemedicine are all found online. And where only an estimated 3 percent of Pennsylvanians still lack reliable access, the Commonwealth doesn’t need a sweeping intervention to achieve universal access—modest modifications to the status quo are enough.
Leasing existing government property can make broadband deployment more economical. Building the infrastructure is an unavoidable up-front expense. Murky permitting, pole attachment, environmental review, and rights-of-way regulations can each halt progress, making construction incredibly risky. Using Pennsylvania property and limiting bureaucratic delays gives builders a new, less-risky option.
If the economics work, builders can meet consumer demand.
Colorado is a case study in success. It leased existing fiber along highway rights-of-way, enabling licensees to bring advanced services to mountain communities where offerings were previously limited. Colorado even standardized its permitting process in 2024, unlocking 100 times more permits than before. Making government property incrementally more productive can drive real results—and at no new cost to taxpayers, it’s an idea worth pursuing.
Lawmakers have a chance to pass this law before the end of the year. But if further-along legislation takes priority, lawmakers should try again next year. With federal funding for broadband expansion being released to states, there will be an appetite to make sure it goes to good use. Leasing out government assets can help push the Commonwealth over the finish line for universal connectivity.
The Act is something everyone can agree on—it’s bipartisan, as it should be. In the Pennsylvania Senate, it was introduced by Republicans—its House version by Democrats. If given another chance next year, cost-effective policies like these could prevail.
Ultimately, tight policy written to solve targeted aspects of a broader issue deserves a second chance in legislators’ plans. Going forward, Pennsylvania legislators should continue considering how to put government property to better use. Well-crafted broadband policy can put existing assets to more productive use and deliver new options for connecting consumers without costing taxpayers another dollar.
Nate Karren is a Policy Analyst with the American Consumer Institute, a nonprofit education and research organization. Follow Nate on X @NateKarrenOnX