Maryland needs better broadband — everywhere

During a Thanksgiving like no other, millions of Americans chose to forgo holiday travel and instead use family video calls to get as close as safely possible to loved ones. Unfortunately, this connection was not an option for many Maryland families because of a pervasive and growing digital divide in our state — one of many added challenges facing disconnected Marylanders this year. This digital divide isn’t only about staying connected to loved ones; it is also the difference between a student keeping pace with classmates or missing out entirely. This inequitable access means some Marylanders can safely participate in remote doctors’ visits while others suffer without medical care — until they end up in emergency rooms. It means that businesses cannot launch in disconnected areas of the state, as it is nearly unthinkable in this day to start a business without reliable, affordable Internet. For these and many other reasons, sustaining and building thriving local economies and healthy communities mean ensuring every Marylander has access to high-speed Internet. Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD) created the Office of Rural Broadband in 2017, and though it has done important work, more support and coordination are needed. The problems are bigger than just those affecting our rural jurisdictions. Increased deployment of broadband Internet will improve long-term quality of life for all Marylanders and will ensure that we remain economically competitive — locally and globally. Because this is a statewide problem, we need a statewide office that will pull together private and public partners, agencies and county governments to identify the gaps and implement affordable, reliable, high-speed access for all.

[Brooke Lierman, a Democrat, represents Baltimore in the Maryland House of Delegates]