Salisbury, MD- Today, the Maryland Broadband Cooperative celebrates 5 years of providing quality high speed internet and broadband services in rural Maryland.
Over the past 5 years, Maryland Broadband has been able to attain important milestones, including: 1) Completing the first span of Fiber Optic Cable across the Bay Bridge, 2) Establish a telemedicine network linking rural and urban medical centers, 3) lay over 525 miles of fiber optic broadband fiber on rural Maryland and 4) Grow relationships with federal, state, local, and private sector partners for the betterment of high speed internet services in rural Maryland. Through the Cooperative’s assets and their strategic partners, Maryland Broadband is able to provide service to its members throughout all 15 rural counties of Maryland.
“I am pleased to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Through this initiative, we are providing access to broadband for underserved areas in our State. By expanding these services to more Marylanders, we are creating jobs, strengthening our businesses, providing key access to public safety and health services, and paving the way for the future of high-speed internet in Maryland.”
The Maryland Broadband Cooperative was created in 2006 by the Maryland General Assembly with critical support from U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski at the federal level to provide the backbone of a fiber network across all of rural Maryland.
“Whether it’s in the mountain counties of Western Maryland or over the Bay Bridge on the Eastern Shore, broadband is going to bring the jobs of tomorrow to our state,” Senator Mikulski said. “I’m so proud of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative for making sure that rural communities get a fair shot. With more than $115 million in federal stimulus funds for broadband coming to Maryland, the Cooperative not only helps create jobs, foster business growth and spark innovation, but creates opportunity for the people of Maryland.”
“Technology is the key to innovation and growth in our economy and all Marylanders –regardless of where they live – should have access to the tools they need to succeed,” said U.S.Senator Ben Cardin. “Thanks to the broadband services that the Maryland Broadband Cooperative is providing, rural communities in Eastern, Southern and Western Maryland are benefitted from increased economic development.”
“I congratulate Maryland Broadband Cooperative on 5 years of hard work to connect important institutions around our state and provide internet access to rural communities. From improving our public safety, government services, health care delivery, and education, Maryland Broadband is working to guarantee a better quality of life for all of our citizens.” Congressman Steny H. Hoyer
“With the global economy moving to a knowledge-based, technology foundation, it is critical for businesses and individuals to have immediate and effective access to the Internet. I salute the Maryland Broadband Cooperative for its commitment and success in bringing service to Rural Maryland. The Cooperative’s work is a critical part of our state’s long-term economic strategy and I look forward to working with them for many more years to help enhance the quality of life and the capabilities of businesses across Maryland.” Comptroller Peter Franchot
“Every part of Maryland has to be competitive in the innovation economy of the future. I congratulate the Maryland Broadband Cooperative on their 5 year anniversary of working to ensure that rural Maryland has the tools necessary to compete not only in Maryland but globally at the highest levels of technology.” Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr.
“Maryland Broadband is providing a technology pathway to the future for Rural Maryland and our entire State!” Del. Norman H. Conway, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee
Today, because of the work of the Maryland Broadband Cooperative and its members, like local internet service providers, health care institutions, and local government agencies, the citizens of rural Maryland have far greater access to 21st century services and the global economy.
