Rural Broadband Task Force Regional Initiatives

In February 2003, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation’s (TEDCO) eReadiness Maryland: Assessing our Digital Opportunities project released its final report to Maryland’s General Assembly, which contained findings and recommendations. Despite the fact that Maryland ranks above most states in both the deployment and usage of information and communication technologies, there are many inconsistencies in access and usage throughout the state. Households and businesses in Western Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore lag behind other areas in their rate of access and usage of high-speed communications, commonly referred to as "broadband."

The first recommendation in the final report was to create a statewide Task Force to address these disparities. During the 2003 General Assembly session, the Task Force for the Deployment of Broadband in Rural Maryland was established via House Bill 697 and cross-filed with Senate Bill 487. During the 2005 General Assembly session, the Task Force sunset was extended to June 30, 2006 (SB 454 / HB 963).

In addition to work conducted by the Task Force, many regional initiatives are taking place.

Details on both the Rural Broadband Task Force and regional initiatives can be found by clicking on the links above.