Delaware Broadband Initiative
Expanding access to high-speed internet across Delaware is a priority. The State's Broadband Strategic Plan and GIS Hub have identified more than 11,600 homes and businesses lacking access to broadband services. Given the additional funding made accessible through several federal programs specifically targeting broadband efforts, Delaware has revised its original investment plan of ARPA dollars to maximize the potential of all available resources.
Over the next 18 months Comcast, Verizon and Mediacom will connect 4,318 addresses to high-speed broadband. To reach our goal of connecting every Delaware home and business over the next few years, we will also leverage additional federal funding sources. Residents will be able to see in the GIS Hub which program will connect their home as funding becomes available and projects are awarded.
Broadband Strategy
Delaware's broadband strategy leverages the wide range of available federal funding.
Connect Delaware Students
$20 million in CARES Act funding will be used to build out additional infrastructure across Delaware
Broadband Strategic Plan
Governor Carney's Action Plan for Delaware identified broadband as a key player in the support of economic growth and development, education, and public safety initiatives.
Rural Wireless Program
Wireless broadband solutions offer increasing speed and reliability for rural households and businesses.
Fiber Backbone
Delaware's broadband "backbone" features high capacity fiber-optic lines that run the length of the state from Wilmington to Georgetown, and from Seaford to Lewes.
Timeline
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.
