$92 Million For Broadband Through Connect Maryland’s State Funding

On Wednesday, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced a $92 million in state funding awards through Connect Maryland, the state initiative that aims to close the digital divide, according to the state government press release.

The grants will help provide high-speed internet to 14,500 households and businesses across the state.

The state’s Connect Maryland network infrastructure grant programs made 35 awards to internet service providers and local jurisdictions to construct new broadband networks.

The press release also includes a full list of awards, and they include funding for providers from Bay Country Communications, Comcast, Quantum, Shentel, and Verizon.

“These awards help ensure that the infrastructure exists to make Maryland more equitable,” said Moore.

The Office of Statewide Broadband was created in 2017, and since then it has spent more than $270 million on broadband infrastructure and programs.

“Broadband is the utility that will determine economic outcomes in much the same way water and sewer systems have been for the past 150 years,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Full participation in the digital economy is essential for resolving inequities for countless Marylanders and the Office of Statewide Broadband is committed to closing the digital divide.”