Digital Opportunity

Delaware's goal is to be the first state in the nation fully connected to high-speed internet. We know that in addition to an internet connection, all Delawareans also need the ability to harness the transformative potential of this access for personal, educational, and economic growth. Achieving that vision requires expanding digital opportunities to close the digital divide.

Delaware’s 2024 State Digital Equity Plan, (Plan de Equidad Digital Español, Plan Ekite Dijital Kreyòl) focuses on achieving these five critical elements of digital opportunity:

• Access to affordable, reliable internet connectivity at home
• A computing device and opportunity to maintain it
• Opportunity to learn and apply digital skills
• Tools and information to be safe online
• Online State resources that are accessible and usable

The Delaware Broadband Office (DBO) has been awarded $4.8 million in State Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding under the Digital Equity Act (“DEA”) within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to begin executing elements of the Plan. Plans for these funds include new approaches to tech job training, increasing accessibility through technology, placing digital specialists throughout the Delaware library system, and grants to nonprofits to address the digital divide in their communities.

Digital Opportunity Grant Information

These programs and BEAD are a historic opportunity to close the digital divide for all Delawareans and for the 85% that fall into one of the DEA’s “covered populations” that are particularly likely to be challenged by the divide: low-income households, senior citizens, racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, rural residents, incarcerated and returning individuals, people with disabilities, and those with language or literacy barriers.

As DBO implements new programs and works on our 2029 State Plan, our outreach will continue. We want to meet with local communities, learn about the work you and your organizations are doing, and hear your ideas on the needs of Delawareans that might be addressed by greater digital access. Delawareans can always send their thoughts, questions, or invitations regarding the digital divide and our activities to kim.siegel@delaware.gov or William Penn Building, c/o Delaware Broadband Office, 801 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904.

Affording Your Internet Service

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which provided a $30 monthly discount on internet service for over 50,000 Delaware households, expired due to lack of funding in April 2024. However, some households may qualify for assistance through the FCC’s Lifeline program or an internet service provider (ISP) in your area to lower your internet bill.

• Atlantic Broadband/Breezeline
• AT&T
• Comcast Xfinity
• Mediacom
• Verizon

If you are an internet service provider and would like for us to add your affordability program to this page, please email digitalopps@delaware.gov.