The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has opened a second round of applications for local governments and their partners to request laptops for distribution to underserved households in communities throughout Maryland. The $30 million investment to distribute approximately 150,000 devices through the Office of Statewide Broadband is part of an effort to ensure Marylanders have the technology to access reliable, high-speed internet.

“Through the Office of Statewide Broadband, the state is working to bring high-speed internet to all corners of Maryland,” said DHCD Secretary Jake Day. “In addition to our infrastructure improvements that are bringing underserved communities online, the office is also focused on initiatives to close the digital divide.”

Jurisdictions that have not already received devices, or for those who may have additional needs, can apply through September 29, 2023, at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband/Pages/Provider-Resources.aspx under “Digital Equity” and “Connected Devices Program,” or go to the application directly at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband/Documents/MDCDP-Round2-Guide.pdf. 

Eligible households are identified as a household with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Local governments can also request funding to help pay for the distribution of the laptops to its residents.

For more information about the Office of Statewide Broadband, visit: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Broadband/.