Gov. Jack Markell and Department of Technology and Information Secretary Jim Sills joined legislators and others in marking the completion of a broadband fiber line running from Middletown to Georgetown.
Markell also announced a new grant to leverage the recently completed fiber line by extending its reach in the Georgetown region in hopes of better reaching facilities like La Red. Information on the grant and the application process is available at: http://dti.delaware.gov/information/vendors.shtml
“So we made rural expansion of high-speed broadband a priority in the new Delaware Broadband Fund, and now we will begin to realize the benefits throughout this region, from schools and libraries, to health care facilities and places that provide government services,” Markell said. “And the additional benefits will be far-reaching, starting with the jobs created through the construction phase, and continuing with better access for businesses, farms, and homes.”
A grant of about $2 million will be awarded to one or more private companies that offer the best plans to use the new fiber line to reach Delawareans in need of the service at key sites, such as La Red.
Markell said the ability to access information technology at higher speeds is essential to every industry in the state. The online tools and resources exponentially increase the possibilities to advance education, careers, well-being, and public safety, but that also means that there is a clear dividing line between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who don’t, Markell said.
“The critical fiber line that has just been completed will introduce significantly enhanced broadband access into this area to support not only State and municipal offices, but private industry and non-profits as well,” said Secretary Sills, whose Department leads the state’s broadband expansion efforts. “Today’s announcement focuses on expanding on the project with additional investment in Sussex County to make Delaware the leading state for broadband.”
Funding for the grant comes from the Delaware Broadband Fund. The legislation provides that the Fund will support and enhance rural broadband initiatives in under-served areas of the State, as well as broadband access at public schools and public libraries.
The expansion of broadband in Sussex County will allow for an increase in access speeds from 1.5 MB to potentially 10GB, with most users expected to opt for between 10MB and 100MB.
La Red CEO Brian Olson participated in the announcement, highlighting the benefits that the health center has already realized through telemedicine and the opportunities that the improved broadband service would offer for enhancing medical care for underserved populations through remote access to specialists. Attendees, who also included legislators supportive of HB 96, received a tour that focused on the Health Center’s telemedicine capabilities.
