Posted on 12/01/21
| News Source: WBAL
On Tuesday, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced a $35 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access.
“From our students to our older adults, Baltimoreans struggled to learn virtually, work from home and access needed telemedicine on unreliable slow connections and limited access to broadband,” Scott said. “Today’s $35 million investment with American Rescue Plan dollars is about taking an active role and kickstarting our efforts to not just bridge the divide, but close it once and for all, with a strong focus on our residents and neighborhoods lacking access.
According to a news release sent from Scott's office, the investment will expand city fiber to the remaining 23 Baltimore recreation centers not already on the city’s network. The city will install at least 100 secure, free public Wi-Fi hot spots across 10 west Baltimore neighborhoods. A digital equity coordinator and staff with expertise in fiber engineering, operations, and tech support will also be hired.
The news comes one month after Scott announced that the Baltimore City Health Department would receive $80 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to fund the city's fight against COVID-19.
Director of the Mayor’s Office of Broadband and Digital Equity Jason Hardebeck stated the $35 million investment in broadband is essential for those living in Baltimore.
“Internet access has become a basic necessity of everyday life, but the digital divide prevents many Baltimoreans from taking full advantage of the opportunities that our modern economy offers,” Hardebeck said in the statement. “Today’s announcement is a down payment on our commitment to invest in an expansion of Baltimore’s digital infrastructure, while ensuring that our most disconnected neighborhoods are served first and foremost.”