Connect Maryland: Governor Larry Hogan announces new initiative to expand broadband access

SNOW HILL, Md.- With the help of a new transformative initiative Governor Larry Hogan announced Friday in Snow Hill, Maryland is taking affordable and accessible broadband to the next level.

“We are going to invest an additional hundred million dollars in funding for a total investment of 400 million dollars for the expansion of rural broadband access,” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said.

The new initiative is called Connect Maryland.

Governor Hogan said by giving areas more funding for broadband it’s just another example of the state making a stronger come back from the pandemic.

“Maryland has set an ambitious goal of ensuring universal broadband to everyone in every single corner of the state by no later than 2025 and connect Maryland is going to be the game changing imitative that is going to help us get there,” Governor Hogan said.

And to make sure funding gets invested in local communities quickly and effectively, the state is also establishing a new bipartisan Maryland Broadband Advisory.

“The panels going to include representatives from members of the general assembly, together with representatives of the counties and the municipalities,” Governor Hogan said.

But that’s not all Governor Hogan announced.

Through Connect Maryland they’re launching a New Broadband Benefit Subsidy Program to reduce the cost of internet service

“This program will combine state assistance with federal resources to give eligible Maryland families a discount of $65 per month for up to 12 months on their internet service,” Governor Hogan said.

And going forward, we’re told more broadband access- can continue to help with telehealth, work, and education

“So it’s not just about technology, its not just about the entrepreneurship, it is about making people healthier and saving lives by giving them access to new technology,” Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson said.