How Delaware Plans to Become the First State with Universal High-Speed Internet

Delaware is on track to become the first state in the nation to achieve universal high-speed internet access, thanks to a $17.4 million federal investment. State officials have announced that construction will begin in late spring to expand broadband infrastructure to the remaining areas without reliable internet access.

Statewide Internet Expansion Plan

Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Broadband Office announced on Jan. 14 that work will begin in June to connect over 5,700 homes and businesses currently lacking reliable broadband service.

“Most of the homes and businesses to be connected with these funds are in our state’s rural areas, and they have been living a different life than the rest of us in terms of being able to use the internet for work, school, healthcare, and entertainment,” said Governor Hall-Long.

Key Details of the Expansion

• Investment: $17.4 million in federal funding
• Technology: Wireline, fiber-optic internet
• Target Locations:
  • Sussex County: 3,447 homes and businesses
  • Kent County: 1,720 homes and businesses
  • New Castle County: 554 homes and businesses
• Project Timeline:
  • Construction starts: June 2025
  • Completion expected: End of 2027
• Providers Involved: Verizon and Comcast

Residents can track the progress of Delaware’s broadband expansion and report service gaps through the state’s Broadband Mapping Hub.

Delaware’s Role in the National Broadband Initiative

This broadband expansion is part of a larger $107 million investment awarded to Delaware in June 2023 through the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

What is the BEAD Program?

The BEAD program, a $42.5 billion initiative under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to provide high-speed internet access for all Americans. The initiative funds states and territories to expand or upgrade broadband networks, ensuring universal connectivity.

Future Plans for BEAD Funds

Delaware has outlined several initiatives for the remaining funds, including:

• Enhanced cybersecurity protections
• Internet and cellular network improvements
• Expanding digital oversight
• Job training programs

However, the future of the BEAD program is uncertain under the new Trump administration. While the program does not exclude alternative fiber-optic solutions, congressional GOP critics, including Sen. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa), have raised concerns about potential “technology bias.” Industry analysts suggest that program changes may redefine its rules or reduce future funding allocations.

The Bottom Line

With construction set to begin in 2025, Delaware is taking a major step toward digital equity, ensuring that even the most rural communities have access to high-speed internet. If successful, it will be the first state in the U.S. to achieve 100% broadband coverage, setting a precedent for nationwide connectivity efforts.