Call to Action

Over 30,000 people in our region of northwest Pennsylvania do not have adequate access to the internet.  A group of concerned locals formed a coalition, known as CoreConnect, to address this problem.  Out of this effort CocoNet, a 501(c)3 corporation was launched, which intends to ensure that all residents in northwestern Pennsylvania will have access to affordable high-speed internet by building a community-focused, open access fiber-to-the-home broadband network.   This open access network concept will economically transform Northwest Pennsylvania by making it more connected, competitive and capable of fostering growth across various sectors.  Our open access fiber network will enable multiple internet service providers (ISPs) to utilize the same physical network to deliver services to customers, with a primary  focus on quality of service, customer experience, and product innovation.

CoreConnect is a community-based coalition of individuals from across ten counties with backgrounds in county planning, economic development, community development, business, medicine, broadband and information technologies.  Through our non-profit CocoNet Inc. we will build, own, operate and maintain our own broadband infrastructure while providing internet service providers with access to the network to provide services to residents, businesses, and community anchor institutions.  CocoNet has partnered with Bonfire Engineering & Consulting, a ground-breaking world-class internet infrastructure group with nationwide successes to offer comprehensive services including engineering, construction and operation of our network.

CocoNet applied to the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority on February 6, 2025 to receive $178 million (44.9% of the total project costs) in BEAD grant funding to be matched by $218 million (55.1%) in private dollars.  This network will reach 19,786 households, businesses and Community Anchor Institutions across these counties: Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, Elk and Cameron.  The build will take three years and create 392 full time jobs.  If funded, CoreConnect/CocoNet, Inc. plans to start construction as early as July 2025 with the first customers receiving service as soon as November 2025, depending on the turnaround time of the grant by the state.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), which includes your esteemed colleagues, will soon evaluate our grant application under an expedited timeline. Given the urgency of this process, your immediate action is critical to ensuring this transformative opportunity moves forward. We urge you to contact the PBDA Board of Directors to express your endorsement of this unprecedented initiative 

If you need a better understanding of our project and its implications to your constituents please contact us at info@coconet.community  The CoreConnect/CocoNet, Inc. coalition members are available to answer any questions about the project or application. 

Thank you for your consideration and prompt attention to this matter. Your support could be pivotal in shaping the future of connectivity in our region.