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First responders in rural areas need funding from several sources to upgrade digital technology to help save lives, a new legislative agency report says.
The report by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania recommends tapping federal broadband funds, a proposed state $30 million grant program for fire companies, the 911 state surcharge on wireless phones and lifting caps on local property tax revenue going to first responders to address the issue.
"Rural first responders face unique challenges in both accessing and using devices such as radios, smartphones, tablets, computers and applications," the report said.
This results from a lack of broadband service leading to dead zones and dropped calls, the high cost of tech devices and overall lack of funding for rural first responders, the report said.
"The cost of digital devices, which can be upwards of $10,000 for a radio, exacerbates the funding shortages,'' the report said. "Departments are relying on fundraising efforts to fill in the gaps in funding, but that isn't enough."
Tech problems affect the work of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, 911 operators and dispatchers.
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority gets funding from the federal BEAD program to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved areas.
Pennsylvania has a $400 million surplus of BEAD money. Washington is deciding the fate of those funds. If the funds are released to Pennsylvania, the report recommends allocating a portion for first responders.
The report calls for creating a new $30 million competitive grant program for fire companies on an annual basis.
Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed the program, but it didn't make it into the new state budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
911 surcharge
State lawmakers should make the existing 911 surcharge on wireless phones permanent at $1.95 a month permanent rather than having to renew that rate in 2029.
The surcharge revenue is needed to support monitoring and improvements with the Next Generation system technology used by 911 systems at the county level.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania calls for increasing the 911 surcharge to $2.20 a month.
The current surcharge covers about 80% of 911 costs, the association said.
The report urges lawmakers to enact House Bill 393 sponsored by state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, allowing some 1,400 second class townships to increase the annual property tax limit for fire and emergency services.
The House passed HB393 by a 120-83 vote in May 2025. HB393 is before the Senate Local Government Committee.