Nearly $27.8 million in federal funds secured
DOVER – Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) today announced federal approval of Delaware’s comprehensive plan to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure to more than 4,728 unserved and underserved homes and businesses.
This milestone, made possible through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, represents a major step toward achieving universal connectivity across the First State. Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026.
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for full participation in today’s digital economy, education system, and civic life,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “This investment, made possible through the federal BEAD Program, reflects our administration’s strong commitment to ensuring every Delawarean, regardless of zip code, has the tools to succeed in a connected world. Whether it’s remote learning, telehealth, job training, or entrepreneurship, access to broadband means access to opportunity.”
Delaware has received confirmation from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that its application for $107 million in BEAD funding has been approved. The state’s plan focuses on areas with little or no broadband access, targeting rural communities that have historically been hardest to reach. The funding will support the deployment of 425 new connections in New Castle County, 1,513 in Kent County, and 2,790 in Sussex County.
“This is a generational investment in Delaware’s digital infrastructure,” said Connor Perry, Executive Director of the Delaware Broadband Office. “We are proud to partner with providers and community stakeholders to build a future-proof network that will serve Delawareans for decades to come.”
The BEAD program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, required states to conduct extensive planning to identify eligible locations and develop strategies for equitable broadband deployment. Delaware’s approved proposal includes $27.8 million in federal funding for infrastructure buildout, matched by $75 million in private investment from preliminary awardees Verizon and Comcast. An additional $80 million in BEAD funding, designated for data-driven broadband improvements, is pending further federal guidance.
Although the BEAD program allows up to four years for project completion, Delaware anticipates finishing construction by the end of 2029. This timeline positions the state to be among the first in the nation to achieve full high-speed internet coverage under the program.
“This approval is the result of years of strategic planning, community engagement, and a shared vision for digital opportunities,” said Jordan Schulties, Delaware’s Acting Chief Information Officer. “With this funding, DTI is accelerating its mission to close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean has access to the infrastructure needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.”