ActNOW Campaign expanding internet access across Maryland

MARYLAND – Maryland’s Broadband program is expanding across the state in a way that all can afford.

“It’s really a quality of life issue,” said Rick Gordon, the Director of the Office of Statewide Broadband.

Governor Wes Moore’s administration now expanding its internet program, the ACTNow Campaign to end the digital divide. “A subsidy program that eligible households can utilize to receive $30 towards their broadband bill and then Maryland has our Maryland Emergency Broadband benefit program that provides an additional $15 subsidy for those same households,” Gordon explained.

That’s a total savings of up to $45. With this expansion residents across the state will have better resources to support their everyday needs. “Having the ability to apply for jobs, check your children’s homework online, check their grades online. even things as simple as booking a hotel room, you need to have internet for that,” Gordon said.

Rick Gordon with the Office of Statewide Broadband says this will even help remote workers as more people lean into work from home. Town officials in Pittsville say affordable internet is great, but everyone needs access in their rural area first. “I would think the rural areas of the county need access. I would think the towns, all the towns should be serviced by Internet, I’d be surprised if they weren’t,” said Joe Mangini, Town Manager of Pittsville.

Residents in Pittsville are just a small part of the initiative, the goal is to provide affordable access to all of Maryland. “Maryland only has only approximately 27% of eligible households enrolled in the program and that number needs to increase. There’s over 700,000 eligible households in the state so we really do need to get that number up there. People are missing out on the ability to connect because they can’t afford it and there’s the opportunity to make that economic assistance happen,” Gordon added.

For more details about this benefit on your internet bill, click here or check out their eligibility app. Maryland’s program is automatic so if you’re already enrolled in the ACP program then you’ll receive the benefits. Your internet provider will take care of it.