From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — Broadband access in Mifflin County is expanding with the completion of a new telecommunications tower expected to serve more than 3,000 homes and businesses, according to Upward Broadband.

The tower, known as the Wills Road site, will provide high-speed internet service to residents in Belleville, McVeytown, Granville, Allensville, Reedsville and Lewistown, as well as surrounding areas.

Company officials said the project is aimed at improving service in unserved and underserved rural communities.

“Families and local businesses deserve dependable, high-speed connectivity, and we’re committed to making that a reality,” said Tim Beiler, chief executive officer of Upward Broadband.

The Mifflin County tower is one of two recently completed sites announced by the company. A second tower in Fulton County — the Licking Creek site — is expected to serve more than 2,000 homes and businesses in the Needmore, Warfordsburg, Big Cove Tannery and Cove Valley areas.

Both towers are part of a broader effort to expand rural broadband infrastructure across central Pennsylvania. The projects are among 18 new sites being developed with support from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Huntingdon County, Fulton County and Alleghenies Broadband Inc.

Company officials said the wireless technology used at the sites is capable of delivering high-speed internet over long distances, helping improve connectivity for rural residents and businesses.