Maryland leaders work to expand Wi-Fi in West Baltimore

Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott (D-MD), and Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel spoke about plans to expand internet connectivity in Baltimore. The Enoch Pratt Free Library currently has about 2,000 hotspots in circulation. According to Meghan McCorkell, Enoch Pratt Free Library’s chief of marketing, communications and strategy, about 969 people are waiting for a hotspot. The FCC voted on July 18 to allow schools and libraries to broaden the E-Rate Program, a federal program that makes internet access more affordable for libraries and schools throughout the U.S. The program specifically permits funds to be used to loan Wi-Fi hotspots to teachers and students so they can use the internet anywhere they go. Chairwoman Rosenworcel elaborated on how many families will benefit from the expansion. “We anticipate more than a billion dollars will be available specifically for hotspots, so it’s gonna make a meaningful difference in a lot of places across the country.”