Talbot County Reaches 100% High-Speed Internet Access After $10 Million Broadband Buildout
Updated
Updated · WMDT · May 13
Talbot County Reaches 100% High-Speed Internet Access After $10 Million Broadband Buildout
1 articles · Updated · WMDT · May 13
More than 2,700 eligible locations in Talbot County now have high-speed internet access, making it the first Maryland county to fully connect all locations.
Over $10 million in federal and state funding since 2021 backed the five-year project, which Easton Utilities completed by expanding existing infrastructure with a fiber-to-the-home network.
State officials said the buildout advances Maryland's goal of connecting all residents to high-speed internet by 2030 and supports access to healthcare, education, jobs and other digital services.
Maryland says 100% of the state now either has high-speed internet access or has already been awarded funding for reliable broadband under its Connect Maryland initiative.
After a $40 million build-out, will new state regulations ensure high-speed internet in Talbot County is actually affordable for all residents?
As Maryland celebrates universal access, will new state oversight laws stifle the very innovation that made it possible?
100% Broadband Access in Talbot County: Maryland’s Milestone and a Model for Universal Rural Connectivity
Overview
Talbot County, Maryland, became the first in the state to achieve 100% high-speed broadband access, thanks to the Connect Talbot project. Led by Easton Utilities and Easton Velocity, this $40 million initiative installed over 2,300 service drops, ensuring every eligible address is connected. The project was a collaborative effort involving local, county, state, and federal agencies, and relied on multiple grants, including an initial $13.1 million award in 2020. This achievement transformed the county’s digital landscape, providing universal connectivity and setting a model for other communities aiming to bridge the digital divide.