MILLHEIM — After meeting with Millheim Borough on Sept. 10, Atlantic Broadband said it is looking to potentially expand its service into Penns Valley and other surrounding areas. Limited broadband connectivity has been a hot issue in the area as reliable broadband service remains unavailable to many in the area.

Penns Valley residents hope to change that soon, as access to reliable internet services can be a strong determination of one’s potential success. Borough council member Robert Zeigler said at the meeting, Atlantic Broadband representatives discussed expanding its service from the Mifflinburg area into Penns Valley. In doing so, it would bring the needed broadband service to parts of the Penns Valley area that is currently underserved.

Along with Millheim, the internet provider is looking to serve Coburn, Woodward, Aaronburg, Rebersburg and Madisonburg by way of Route 45, down from Millheim.

“They are very confident that they can serve those communities,” said Zeigler. He said that Gregg Township is also a community the company could potentially serve, but more work will need to be done to determine if that is possible.

And before there can be any forward movement, Atlantic Broadband would need to sign franchise agreements with the involved municipalities.

Zeigler said the estimated cost of the project would be $1.5 million and they need to have the municipalities on board to make it a practical investment.

If Atlantic Broadband procures the franchise agreement from all the municipalities, it would take roughly 12 months for service to become available. The company currently offers services in Mifflinburg which include limited, value and MoreTV packages.

Video arrangements range from $32.63 to $92.14 and include potential add-ons.

Zeigler said Atlantic Broadband is upgrading its services in Mifflinburg, so prices are subject to change and will depend on what level of service and premium add-ons customers select.

Centre WISP recently installed broadband equipment on county 911 towers in a public-private partnership in an effort to improve the area’s access to service. Representatives from the company were at the meeting said Zeigler.

He said Centre WISP welcomes the competition.