Baltimore Awards $2 Million to Expand Internet Access for Low-Income Residents

Baltimore Invests $2 Million to Bridge Digital Divide, ⁤Connecting Thousands

baltimore, MD – In a major push to combat the digital divide, Mayor Brandon M.Scott announced a $2 million grant to internet service provider Waves through the ⁣Connect Baltimore Broadband Grant Program. This initiative will bring⁣ high-speed internet access to nearly 3,000 low-income households⁣ across the city.

“Access to the internet⁢ is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Mayor Scott. “this grant will empower thousands of Baltimore residents with the tools they need to succeed in education,⁤ employment, and ‍healthcare.”

The funding,⁤ sourced from the American Rescue Plan Act and managed ⁤by the Mayor’s⁢ Office of Recovery Programs, will enable Waves to install a fiber-optic network in 12 residential apartment buildings and maintain⁢ connectivity for nine more. Each household ‍will receive a router, ensuring secure and reliable online access.

“This grant builds on previous investments from state and local partners,‍ demonstrating our unwavering commitment to closing the digital divide,” said chrissie Powell, Executive Director of Waves. “We are proud to ⁢partner with the city to bring equitable internet access to ⁤those who need it most.”

This latest round of grants is part of⁣ Baltimore’s broader Digital Inclusion Strategy, released in 2022, which outlines the city’s vision for a digitally connected future.

For more information about the Connect Baltimore Broadband Grant program and⁣ the city’s digital equity initiatives, visit the ⁤Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology website.To learn more about the Office of Broadband and Digital⁤ Equity and the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs, please follow the links provided in the city’s proclamation.

Bridging the Gap: A Conversation wiht Waves About Baltimore’s Digital Equity Push

NewsDirectory3.com spoke with Chrissie Powell, Executive Director of Waves, about⁣ the organization’s recent ‍$2 million ‍grant from the city of Baltimore to expand high-speed internet access to low-income households.

NewsDirectory3: This grant is a significant step in addressing Baltimore’s digital divide. Can you tell us more about Waves’ plans for utilizing these funds?

Powell: We are thrilled to be partnering with the city on this crucial initiative. This grant will allow us to install fiber-optic infrastructure in 12 residential apartment buildings, connecting nearly 3,000 households. importantly, it will ⁣also ensure continued service for nine additional buildings. Each household will recieve a router, guaranteeing safe and reliable internet access.

NewsDirectory3: What impact do ‍you anticipate this project will have on these communities?

Powell: ⁤Access to high-speed internet is fundamental in today’s world. It’s essential for education, employment opportunities, healthcare, and civic engagement. This project will empower residents to participate fully in society, opening doors to new possibilities and helping to bridge⁤ the digital equity gap in Baltimore.

NewsDirectory3: This initiative builds on previous investments in digital equity. How does this ‍grant fit into the larger picture of Baltimore’s commitment to closing the digital divide?

Powell: This grant significantly advances⁢ Baltimore’s Digital Inclusion Strategy. The city’s commitment to digital equity is clear, ⁢and we are proud to be a part of this collaborative ⁤effort.By working together, we can ensure that all Baltimore residents have the opportunity⁤ to thrive in our increasingly digital world.