ResidentsĪnd businesses in these areas are at a disadvantage compared to those who have multiple choices for high-speed internet. Underserved areas also include customers with only one choice for high-speed internet, which results in a lack of competition and cost-prohibitive rates. Historically, telecommunications companies have not extended broadband to these areas because it was not profitable based on the limited number ofĬustomers and the distance from existing infrastructure in more densely populated areas. The PA Turnpike traverses rural areas that are significantly underserved with broadband infrastructure. A state-of-the-art, fiber optic communications network is needed to accommodate future needs resulting from all-electronic tolling, intelligent transportation system device growth, and connected and automated vehicles. The current system of utilizing leased lines and microwave towers has limited capacity due to radio spectrum availability and geographic challenges given the proximity between existing infrastructure and the ever-increasing roadside equipment sites. Since 2003, the communications needs have increased dramatically with a 14% average annual bandwidth growth, 24% average annual increase in the number of devices, as well as a 212% average annual increase in storage demands. The Commission has over 563 miles of roadway and nearly 700 sites requiring communications including 4 office buildings, 23 maintenance sheds, 17 service plazas, 68 tolling locations, 40 microwave towers, 5 tunnels, and over 504 individual roadside equipment locations. The PTC has a challenging task of providing communications and connectivity for land mobile radio, internet, voice, and data between its buildings, tolling points and roadside devices. The Need for a Fiber Optic Broadband Network
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