Governor Wes Moore announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Maryland's plan to enhance broadband infrastructure. This approval grants Maryland access to $267.7 million in federal funding under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, aimed at providing all state residents with affordable, high-speed internet access.
The funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's "Internet for All" initiative, which is backed by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law allocates $42.45 billion in grants to expand high-speed internet across the U.S.
Governor Moore highlighted the federal government's support as crucial for bridging Maryland's digital divide. "Thanks to robust federal support, we're taking a big step forward in our work to connect every Marylander with affordable, high-speed internet," he stated.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, Alan Davidson, praised Maryland's efforts. "I congratulate the Maryland broadband office for developing a strong proposal for how they will connect all of their residents to high-speed Internet service," Davidson remarked.
Maryland's approved BEAD proposal includes a Broadband Availability Challenge Process aimed at ensuring accurate mapping and targeted investments in areas most in need. The plan also details methods for using the funds to enhance the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Connect Maryland initiative, focusing on infrastructure, affordability, and outreach.
Key aspects of the plan include:
- Enhancing connectivity for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Supporting educational and workforce development to facilitate remote learning and online job training.
- Improving public health and safety systems through better connectivity.
- Expanding access to telehealth services.
- Engaging communities in the planning process to ensure sustainable progress.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day emphasized the collaborative effort required to achieve these goals. "This proposal strengthens the Office of Statewide Broadband's productive partnership with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and creates a comprehensive, achievable plan to bring reliable connectivity and digital literacy to currently unserved or underserved Marylanders," Day explained.
Since its establishment in 2017, the Office of Statewide Broadband has invested over $270 million in broadband infrastructure, significantly expanding access. This funding has already provided high-speed internet to approximately 52,000 previously unserved homes and businesses across Maryland.
For more information about the Connect Maryland program and other internet initiatives, interested parties can visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's broadband page at dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband.
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