Gov. Moore announces funding to expand internet access statewide
MARYLAND – Governor Wes Moore speaks of a digital divide that affects the entire state, posing the question, what is a digital divide and is there internet access for all Marylanders?
The divide he is referring to is known as digital equity – the ability for everyone to access technology in the name of society, democracy, and the economy.
Governor Moore recently announced $19.6 million in Fiscal Year 2024 awards to help more Marylanders access high-speed, affordable internet. This is through a new Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development program and will be funded through the U.S. Treasury’s American Rescue Plan Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund.
Somerset County has had several grants to expand broadband and has been working with different internet providers to implement it. County Engineer John Redden says that in Somerset, while there haven’t been any complaints so far, there may be challenges. “Somerset County has had several grants to expand broadband, and we’ve been working with different internet service providers, and this is just another good opportunity that the state’s providing to us… The internet service providers work with the state directly, in this case, the counties are kind of the middleman. For the smaller rural counties like Somerset, it’s going to be more difficult. It’s doable, but it’s just more difficult than when the state kind of took the lead on it.”
State Senator Mary Beth Carozza has backed this initiative for years. “Broadband access is now a utility as important today as water and sewer systems have been for the past 150 years. I have worked with the Moore Administration as well as the previous Hogan Administration to ensure that we receive our fair share of funding on the Shore. Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties each received $1.1 million during this round of funding, and I look forward to continuing this important work to bridge the gap and bring this important utility to my constituents.”
Despite the funding, there are some Marylander’s like Kim Bowman, may not be having issues. “I really don’t have too much problem with my internet to be honest with you. The service is usually pretty good. Rarely it drops.” Director of Statewide Broadband, Ronnie Hammond, points out this is not the case for everyone. “The State of Maryland is committed to closing the “digital divide” by 2030 and connecting all Marylanders to high-speed internet. Digital equity is critical in today’s interconnected world. The internet serves as a gateway to information and opportunities that impact education, employment, health care, civic participation, and economic opportunity. Ensuring the availability of broadband and achieving digital equity will mean that all residents of all households in the State – no matter their income level or location – can access educational resources…”
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Looking ahead, Redden says accessibility is also an issue, because some homes are almost 1,000 feet off the road- which makes them hard to service. “Yeah, this is a small amount of people that’ll be served. Probably about 100 in Somerset County… The next grant that is supposed to be coming out is the bead. B.E.A.D. program, and that will probably finish us out and everybody will be served at that point.”
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (B.E.A.D.) program provides federal funding to expand high-speed internet access. The BEAD plan serves as Maryland’s State Plan establishing its commitments and strategy to support broadband projects over the next five years. State officials say in addition to education and employment opportunities, they want to ensure online access to civic and cultural participation for essential services.
