Federal funding to boost Delaware broadband network

State and federal officials touted a $110 million investment for Delaware’s high-speed broadband internet network Sept. 16 with hopes of connecting every last mile of the state.

Gov. John Carney, Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and state lawmakers gathered in Bridgeville to announce the funding that is part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law March 11 by President Joe Biden.

Carney said the COVID-19 pandemic showed how much Delawareans depend on the internet, and the investment in broadband will benefit everyone.

“This significant investment will recognize that reality, and make sure all Delaware families have access to high-speed broadband service. We know that’s more important than ever after the lessons we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. 

Currently, about 11,600 Delaware homes and businesses lack access to high-speed, wireline broadband service. The broadband infrastructure project will target investments to areas currently unserved or underserved, lacking a wireline connection, and will prioritize projects that achieve “last mile" connections to households and businesses. 

“Access to broadband is infrastructure. Just like when our roads, bridges, and railways are broken, we fix them, and we need to do the same for our access to broadband and close these gaps,” said Hall-Long.  

Delaware’s congressional delegation said they are pleased to provide flexible funding to Delaware to address its unique needs.

“With the current challenges of COVID-19, we have particularly felt the strain associated with unreliable internet across our state. Whether it's connecting kids to schools, seniors to doctors, or rural farmers to state-of-the-art agricultural data, this $110 million investment of federal funds will expand broadband availability, increase internet speeds, and make Delaware one of the most connected states in America," Coons said. 

Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown, said local officials have long known about the need for broadband investment.

“As the events of the past year have painfully shown, the infrastructure required to support business, remote learning and other activities vital in the modern world are simply not in place. This investment will make our communities more competitive in a global economy, allow our students to have equal access to information for learning, and provide health, safety and security enhancements to even the most remote areas in our state," he said.