Wicomico County Advances Broadband Expansion Project with $2.9 Million Grant

WICOMICO COUNTY, MD - Wicomico County officials are moving forward with a significant broadband expansion initiative following the award of $2,913,626 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's FY24 Home Stretch - Difficult to Serve Properties Grant Program.

The project involves four broadband vendors working to extend high-speed internet access to underserved areas throughout the county. Talkie Communications, Inc., Choptank Fiber, LLC, Comcast Communications, LLC, and Simple Fiber, LLC will conduct outreach to residents whose properties qualify for the program over the coming months.

Approximately 381 locations across Wicomico County are expected to receive improved internet access through this initiative. The investment aims to address the digital divide by providing reliable, high-speed internet service to homes in areas that currently lack adequate connectivity.

County officials have committed to keeping residents informed as the project progresses. The expansion represents a collaborative effort between local government and private internet service providers to improve digital infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Office of Statewide Broadband has partnered with Wicomico County on this project. County officials have expressed appreciation for this partnership and anticipate positive impacts for the community.

Residents currently without internet service can contact participating Internet Service Providers for information and assistance.

• Talkie Communications, Inc. can be reached at www.talkiefiber.com or (844) 582-5543.
• Choptank Fiber, LLC is available at www.choptankfiber.com or (877) 892-0001.
• Comcast Communications, LLC can be contacted through www.xfinity.com or (877) 760-3372.
• Simple Fiber, LLC provides information at www.simple-fiber.com or (410) 844-4159.