Montgomery County residents and businesses in hard-to-reach areas can now apply for the Maryland Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Program, which helps cover high-speed internet installation costs.
The $1.1 million grant program, funded by the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband, works with Comcast to extend service, covering up to $8,000 of costs, while Verizon has declined to participate.
Per Montgomery County Government: “Montgomery County residents with homes or businesses set far back from the road, making internet service costly to install, can now apply for a special grant to bring high-speed internet to their properties. The Maryland Home Stretch – Difficult to Serve Properties Program, also known as the Long Driveway Internet Program, helps cover internet installation costs for these homes and businesses to ensure better connectivity for all. Funding for the $1.1 million grant program is provided by the Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband.
“I am pleased that this funding is available to help more residents gain access to high-speed internet,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “In today’s world, internet access is essential for work, education, health care and staying connected. Removing financial barriers for those in hard-to-reach areas helps to ensure that more residents and businesses can fully participate in the digital age. I encourage eligible residents to apply as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Applications are due by Sunday, March 16 and funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Current Comcast Xfinity or Verizon FiOS subscribers are not eligible to apply. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure funding while it is still available. The County is working with Comcast to extend service to eligible properties. Verizon declined to participate in the grant program.
For more information and to submit your application, click here .
How to Apply:
- Complete the application form. Your home or business must be in an area served by Comcast and located more than 300 feet from the road (Comcast and Verizon extend service up to 300 feet for free in Montgomery County).
- The County will request a cost estimate from Comcast. The grant will cover two-thirds of the cost (up to $8,000), and Comcast will cover the rest (up to $4,000). If the total cost is more than $12,000, the resident must pay the difference.
- The County will send the resident the cost estimate and an agreement. If any payment is needed, the resident must agree to pay and return the signed agreement within 30 days. Once all documents and payments (if required) are received, Comcast will complete the installation within 90 days.
The program is managed by the Montgomery County Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions in partnership with the State of Maryland. For more information, contact [email protected].”