Maryland Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program

Maryland Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program, is facilitated by the Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MdBC) and the Governor’s Office of Rural Broadband through an award provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). 

MdBC provides middle mile interconnection and internet backhaul services to its members. In order for an area to receive broadband services, provisions for the new network to connect to the internet must be in place. MdBC will construct fiber optic networks into unserved, rural areas that will connect to and utilize MdBC’s existing Open Access network. The newly constructed infrastructure will be made available to members for use in delivery of last mile (“retail”) broadband services in accordance with MdBC’s operating policies. 

The match for this grant will be provided by the last mile infrastructure to be constructed by MdBC’s members and MdBC will offer reduced rates for the use of the funded infrastructure. 

ALLEGANY COUNTY 

· Lonaconing- Estimated Completion April 2021

CHARLES COUNTY 

· Charlotte Hall - Estimated Completion March 2021

DORCHESTER COUNTY 

· Elliott Island- Estimated Completion September 2021

· Toddville- Estimated Completion March 2021

WICOMICO COUNTY 

· Hebron- Estimated Completion February 2021

· Quantico- Estimated Completion February 2021

Each area selected for an award was selected based on the lack of broadband services in the area, but with an eye to the potential for expansion and delivery of last mile broadband service. The grant is being made in accordance with an existing MOU between DHCD and the MdBC. MdBC will be responsible for all ongoing operating and maintenance costs relating to the network.