Maryland Consolidates Digital Equity Efforts Under Statewide Broadband Office

Per a press release from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC) is set to become an integrated part of the Office of Statewide Broadband. This strategic consolidation aims to streamline the state’s initiatives for expanding high-speed internet access and promoting digital inclusion across Maryland. The move is intended to bolster efforts to ensure all residents have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy, impacting their ability to secure employment, earn wages, and build wealth.

The Maryland Digital Equity Coalition, established in October 2023 by the University of Maryland Extension, has functioned as a statewide network and resource hub. It comprises a wide array of stakeholders, including governmental agencies at both state and local levels, public libraries, healthcare providers, senior centers, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. This broad coalition has been instrumental in coordinating and advancing digital equity work throughout Maryland’s counties. The coalition boasts approximately 350 members and has been guided by a Core Working Group and a Steering Committee responsible for organizing statewide gatherings and capacity-building events for those working in digital equity. MDEC has also hosted an annual Digital Equity Summit, alongside various seminars, training sessions, and networking events designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the digital equity field.

As part of the Office of Statewide Broadband, MDEC will continue to serve as a vital resource hub and collaborative network. Its ongoing mission will be to support organizations dedicated to increasing broadband availability, facilitating access to digital devices, and providing essential digital skills training. The Office of Statewide Broadband itself plays a crucial role in partnering with private entities and local governments to bring internet infrastructure to communities that are currently underserved. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the Office of Statewide Broadband successfully completed 80 projects, connecting 71,498 households. Notable achievements include extending connectivity to 200 homes and businesses in Smith Island, a remote community situated on the Chesapeake Bay in Somerset County. This integration is expected to enhance the impact and reach of these digital inclusion efforts across the state.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

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