Delaware Broadband Initiative
Broadband connectivity remains a top priority for Delaware, and it remains critical to building our innovation economy, supporting education, and enhancing citizen safety. While we have been nationally recognized for some of the fastest broadband speeds in the nation, we face the same challenges of access and affordability as many other states.
Delaware has made significant investments in expanding broadband services, especially over the past decade. Now, funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help us to connect every Delaware home and business.
DE Broadband Infrastructure Grant
The broadband infrastructure project prioritizes projects that address unserved or underserved areas and provide “last mile” connections to households and businesses.
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
Delaware Broadband Infrastructure Grant awards announced on 03/17/22 and construction begins.
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.
