Maryland officials announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved the state’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment plan, allowing Maryland to access $79.1 million in federal funding to expand high-speed internet service.
Governor Wes Moore said the funding will support the Connect Maryland initiative, led by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and help connect remaining unserved areas. State officials reported that 99.5 percent of Maryland is already connected to or funded for reliable broadband, with the new funding aimed at reaching about 9,000 remaining locations across 18 counties.
Officials said the approved plan outlines how federal funds will be used to expand infrastructure, improve affordability, and support digital access in rural and underserved communities. The strategy also focuses on economic development, education, workforce training, public safety, and telehealth services. Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day said the approval moves the state into the implementation phase, with the goal of achieving full statewide broadband coverage by 2030. Since 2017, the state’s Office of Statewide Broadband has invested more than $270 million in related programs, helping connect more than 180,000 homes and businesses.
