Smith Island Receives High-Speed Internet as Broadband Project Concludes

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore has announced the successful completion of a significant infrastructure initiative that brings high-speed internet access to the residents and businesses of Smith Island. This project, representing an investment of nearly $2 million, is a key component of the administration’s broader strategy to ensure equitable and affordable broadband access across all parts of Maryland, regardless of geographic remoteness.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Statewide Broadband allocated $1,946,900 to Verizon in June 2024 through the Network Infrastructure Program. This program facilitates the construction of new broadband networks in areas that are currently unserved or underserved by internet service providers. Smith Island, situated in Somerset County on the Chesapeake Bay and known as Maryland’s last inhabited island inaccessible by car, will now benefit from advanced internet speeds. This connectivity is expected to enable over 200 households and businesses on the island to reliably utilize essential digital services, including telehealth, online education, video streaming, and file transfer capabilities.

The completion of this project marks a crucial step in bridging the state’s digital divide. Beyond improved personal and professional capabilities, the enhanced internet access is anticipated to foster economic growth and open up new opportunities for entertainment and educational resources within the community. Governor Moore’s recent visit to Smith Island, the first by a sitting governor since 1999, included discussions with local business owners from sectors such as food service, hospitality, and tourism regarding the impact of improved internet on their operations. The visit also featured a demonstration by the University of Maryland Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Research and Operations Center, showcasing how the upgraded network will support drone technology for medical deliveries across the island’s three communities.

This initiative aligns with the administration’s 2030 goal to connect all Marylanders with high-speed, affordable internet. Since Governor Moore’s inauguration, the Office of Statewide Broadband has facilitated reliable internet access for an estimated 113,164 Marylanders, connecting 43,862 households. The office has invested substantial funds in both infrastructure grants and digital equity grants to further these connectivity goals. The governor’s visit also included a stop in Crisfield to review proposed development projects, including a mixed-use marina project that could bring significant capital investment and job creation to Somerset County.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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