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Delaware Broadband Initiative

Delaware's Governor Carney talking to a group of people about ensuring that every Delaware resident and business has access to high-speed internet service.

Delaware Broadband Initiative

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Expanding access to high-speed internet is a top priority. To date, the Delaware Broadband Office has identified more than 11,600 homes and businesses that do not currently have access. However, we know they do not represent all unserved addresses. We need your help to find every unserved location in Delaware. To self-report if you do not currently have internet access, go to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC’s) National Broadband Map. Confused on how to use the FCC map? For step-by-step instructions, reference this BroadbandNow article.

We are already at work connecting more than 6,000 addresses. This deployment is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To see what areas are going to soon receive high-speed internet from ARPA funding and other government programs, review this map.

Delaware is expected to receive over $100 million to bring Internet to All Delawareans under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will primarily be used to deploy high-speed internet infrastructure to unserved households. Funds can also be used on digital equity priorities such as addressing affordability, building digital skills, and increasing cyber security. To learn more about these broadband funding opportunities, review Delaware's Broadband Strategy.

Volume Two of our Initial Proposal and the Delaware Digital Equity Plan (en español | an Kreyòl Ayisyen) are now live. Visit our Broadband Community Engagement page to read them and send us comments by the due dates.



Fiber optic cable

Broadband
Strategy

Delaware's broadband strategy leverages the wide range of available federal funding.

Cell tower

Connect
Delaware Students

$20 million in CARES Act funding will be used to build out additional infrastructure across Delaware

girl in virtual school raising her hand

Community
Engagement

We need your help to develop our plans for closing Delaware’s digital divide.

Installing a wireless broadband tower

Do You Have
High-Speed Internet?

Let us know if you do not have access to high-speed Internet so we can add your location to our funding priorities.

Affordable Connectivity Program

If you have access to the internet, but are having trouble affording your subscription, you may quality for the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”). If you, or someone you live with, receives governmental support such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free/Reduced Lunch, you are likely eligible for ACP.

If you are eligible, you could receive up to a $30/month discount on your internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or computer device.

For more information, reach out to your Internet Service Provider, go to www.affordableconnectivity.gov, or call (877) 384-2575.

Timeline

2023

Delaware receives over $5 million in planning grant funding from the Biden Administration and begins plans to bring Internet to All Delawareans.

2022

GIS Broadband Hub launched to help keep Delawareans updated on the project, search for service providers, or report lack of service for inclusion in the project.

2021

Governor Carney announces the Delaware Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to make high-speed wired broadband connections available to every home and business in the First State.

  • Grant opened on 10/18/2021.
  • Questions submitted by 10/29/2021.
  • Responses to questions provided 11/12/2021.
  • Submissions by vendors due /17/2021.

 

2020

With funding made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Delaware was able to:

  • Expand high speed internet access, provide equipment and services for families for families facing financial challenges.
  • Support Delaware’s students.
  • Develop a Broadband Strategic Plan.
  • Launch a statewide speed survey to help collect pertinent data.

2019

Delaware partners with Bloosurf to create the Rural Wireless Broadband Initiative.

2018

DTI announces Rural Broadband Pilot.

2015

Investment in expanding fiber backbone from Seaford to Lewes.

2014

Completion of fiber line running from Middletown to Georgetown.