Maryland Creates New Office of Statewide Broadband

Press release from Delegate Brooke Lierman:

April 23, 2021

On April 22, local and state officials announced the passage of HB97/SB66, the Digital Connectivity Act of 2021, sponsored by Delegate Brooke Lierman (District 46 - Baltimore City) and Senator Sarah Elfreth (District 30 - Anne Arundel County) and signed into law by the Governor last week. The Digital Connectivity Act creates the new Office of Statewide Broadband (OSB), that will facilitate a coordinated, comprehensive, statewide effort to ensure all Marylanders are connected to high-speed, affordable broadband internet by 2026. It will be responsible for administering $300 million from the American Rescue Act.

The OSB will support projects and partnerships just like the work happening in Curtis Bay and Brooklyn in South Baltimore, where United Way of Central Maryland and RowdyOrb.It recently installed Wi-Fi infrastructure so that local residents can get online.

Being disconnected prevents Maryland residents and families from accessing education, health care, business, and benefit programs, which worsens and perpetuates existing social inequities. The establishment of Wi-Fi infrastructure in neighborhoods across the state, in both rural and urban areas, will provide residents and the opportunity to participate in society.

This press release was produced by Delegate Brooke Lierman. The views expressed here are the author's own.