Broadband infrastructure to finally expand internet access to all Delawareans
BRIDGEVILLE, Del. – On Thursday morning, State and local officials gathered in Bridgeville to discuss funding for a new broadband infrastructure investment which is going to make connection for technology such as phones a lot easier throughout the state of Delaware. A $110 million investment will help cover every last mile of Delaware with broadband internet service, one that many Delawareans have been waiting for, for almost a decade. “The reliability, the higher speeds that are possible with this is absolutely necessary now,” says Senator Brian Pettyjohn.
One Bridgeville resident and pastor of a local church tells us, the pandemic brought to light just how poor internet service was. “As long as I’ve had a cell phone I’ve never had good reception,” says Pastor Bradley Schutt. He adds, “Our church has an app we send out text messages, we do videos and live stream. So it’s our hope and dream to give people some hope and good news through technology, whatever devices they have.”
Now with this broadband infrastructure, homes and businesses in broadband deserts can get the internet access they’ve been waiting for. “We knew it was a problem, we were raising the alarm about it but really what happened with COVID, it really brought that to the surface and really showed how much of a divide there is in our communities,” says Sen. Pettyjohn.
We’re told good internet access affects everything from education, to tele-health, to businesses. Now with this funding, cable providers will be able to run wired services to all parts of the state. “This now puts us in a position that every residence in their home who chooses to connect and to be a part of this program and have this stable reliable connection they can do all of that without issue,” says Jason Clarke Chief Information Officer for Department of Technology and Information Services for Delaware.
State and local officials tell us, this investment is so much more than providing faster service, it’s also about growing along with the technology based internet driven world. “Hearing what’s coming with the expansion of broadband, it’ll be a real God send to help keep all of us connected and meet our basic needs and increase the good that can come into our county,” says Schutt.
Although the process has already begun, we’re told there’s still a lot of work to be done to get everyone connected. Officials say, the infrastructure will be available to all Delawareans within the next two years.
Residents wishing to get broadband service should call their internet provider, or local representatives.
