Residents of Pleasant Township will soon have access to reliable, high-speed internet thanks to Allegheny Community Broadband (ACB), a new nonprofit formed to bring fiber internet to unserved areas.

Created by Pleasant Township and Blue Fiber Corp., ACB will connect approximately 430 homes and businesses in the Mohawk and RT337 areas.

ACB has secured $2.2 million in private funding to build the network, with no financial obligation for the township, its residents, or property owners. As a nonprofit, ACB is responsible for repaying the funds through network revenue. Once the debt is fully repaid in 25 years, ownership of the fiber network will transfer to Pleasant Township, providing long-term community benefits.

Residents will be able to sign up for services through a secure online portal on the ACB website, where they can choose plans, manage accounts, and pay bills. Internet services will start at $25 per month, and customers will pay a one-time cooperative membership fee of $150, which can be spread over 12 months. This fee covers installation, equipment, and membership in Youngsville Television, the cooperative managing the network.

For eligible low-income households, Lifeline support from the FCC can provide a monthly service discount.

The fiber network will cover the southern portion of Pleasant Township, specifically areas without access to quality broadband. Construction is set to begin in April 2025, with the first customer connections expected by June 2025. ACB plans to expand into other underserved municipalities in the future, with ongoing discussions already in progress.

A rudimentary map of the coverage area is available at www.alleghenycommunitybb.org, and an interactive map tracking real-time progress will be added as the project develops.

High-speed internet is critical for remote work, education, healthcare access, and security. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for reliable internet, as many residents struggled with connectivity issues during lockdowns.

“This project is an investment in the community,” said Tom Mott from Youngsville Television “Like building a bridge or sewer system, it provides essential infrastructure with long-term benefits. Once the network is paid off, surplus revenue will help support the township’s general budget, unlike for-profit providers like Verizon or Windstream.”

The Pleasant Township Supervisors quickly recognized the benefits of this project, agreeing to move forward without hesitation. However, ACB previously proposed a similar initiative to Warren County Commissioners in 2021, which was ultimately rejected.

Instead, Warren County provided funding to Verizon without securing any future revenue benefits for the county. ACB officials question this decision, emphasizing that a county-backed broadband network could have improved 911 communications, reduced operational costs, and provided a sustainable revenue stream.

Despite this setback, ACB has pivoted its approach, working directly with municipalities to expand broadband services, with Pleasant Township being the first to sign on.

As the project nears its launch, ACB remains committed to expanding broadband access across the region. More townships are expected to join the initiative, ensuring that rural communities receive the connectivity they need.

For more information or to sign up for service, visit www.alleghenycommunitybb.org or email info@alleghenycommunitybb.org