State Seeks Input on Plan to Deploy $267M to Advance Digital Equity, Expand Internet Access

The Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband has drafted the state’s plans to connect all Marylanders to high-speed internet access and achieve digital equity. Marylanders are encouraged to submit feedback on the drafts during the public comment period, which ends December 2.

Guided by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Distribution plan, the Office of Statewide Broadband developed an initial proposal, which outlines the deployment of $267 million in federal funding. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) program provides federal funding to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs.

Alpha Stock Images - http://alphastockimages.com/The BEAD plan serves​ as Maryland’s state plan, establishing the state’s commitments and strategy to support broadband projects over the next five years. This aligns with the Office of Statewide Broadband’s objective to close the digital divide in Maryland. The five-year Digital Equity plan outlines how the state will equip residents with the knowledge and resources to navigate the digital landscape, access online resources, and protect their privacy and security.

The documents outline broadband infrastructure deployment and digital equity initiatives to achieve the Moore-Miller Administration’s vision of providing equitable internet access for all Marylanders. The input collected during the public comment period will be reviewed before the documents are finalized and submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“Broadband is critical to producing equitable economic outcomes for Maryland families,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Through these plans, the state will be able to close much of the digital divide and resolve inequities through the strategic deployment of funding from National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s investment in Maryland’s broadband programs.”

Since its founding, the Office of Statewide Broadband has invested over $300 million in broadband infrastructure and equity programs. That investment has provided high-speed internet access to an estimated 52,000 previously unserved homes and businesses statewide.

To review the plans and provide comments, visit https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband/Pages/StatePlans.aspx.