Broadband breakthrough: Maryland initiative brings high-speed connection to Smith Island

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day has announced that the state of Maryland has awarded a grant of nearly $2 million to provide broadband access for the residents and businesses of Smith Island. Joined by state and Somerset County officials, as well as members of Smith Island United, Secretary Day announced the funding from the Office of Statewide Broadband’s Network Infrastructure Program to Verizon to bring high-speed internet to the island.

“To close Maryland’s digital divide and open pathways to opportunity, all Maryland households and businesses must have access to broadband internet, no matter how remote the location,” said Secretary Day. “Bringing broadband infrastructure to Smith Island demonstrates our commitment to work in partnership with communities in every corner of the state, from the mountains of Garrett County to the shores of Somerset, to ensure every Marylander is connected to high-speed internet by 2030.”

Broadband initiative will reach more than 200 households, businesses

The award supports Smith Island United’s vision of preserving the community, homes and culture of the island. Once the infrastructure project is completed, broadband connectivity will be extended to more than 200 households and businesses.

“The Somerset County Commissioners truly value the partnership we have with DHCD, and we want to thank Secretary Day and his staff for their support of this project as we look forward to having broadband internet availability to the residents of Smith Island,” said Randy Laird, Vice President of the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners.

The Office of Statewide Broadband’s Network Infrastructure Program awards grants to local jurisdictions or their Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The program facilitates partnerships between the public and private sectors - in this case, Somerset County, Smith Island United, and Verizon - to construct new broadband networks. The grants can fund up to 90% of the capital construction costs associated with providing internet service to unserved or underserved homes and businesses.

“Verizon is excited to be partnering with Smith Island residents and Gov. Moore to bring the power and benefits of a world class Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network to the Island," said Joseph L. Askew, Jr., Vice President of Public Policy and State Government Affairs for Verizon. "This state of the art 5G FWA broadband network will: foster more economic development activities, make neighborhoods safer, improve educational access and outcomes, ensure greater connectivity to quality healthcare, and expand entertainment and marketing opportunities. Access to quality broadband infrastructure and services changes lives and communities, and Verizon is proud to be Smith Island's partner in helping to bring about this meaningful change.”

State's broadband program has reached about 52,000 homes, businesses

The Office of Statewide Broadband, housed in the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, works to ensure that all Maryland households have access to broadband through its programs to expand infrastructure and increase digital equity.

Since the office was created in 2017, it has invested more than $270 million into broadband infrastructure and programs. Those efforts have provided high-speed internet access to an estimated 52,000 previously unserved homes and businesses statewide. For more information, visit dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Smith Island to get high-speed internet in big broadband breakthrough