It sounds great on paper: At least 96% of Delawareans live in an area with high-speed internet availability, and the state is on track to make that 100% by 2029.
But, as Delaware Broadband Office Executive Director Roddy Flynn pointed out in a recent interview with Technical.ly, the infrastructure is only part of the picture. Nine percent of Delawareans have no internet or device access, and 7% have access to internet but no device access.
Putting it into perspective, 9% of Delaware’s 1 million people is around 90,000 people. Poverty is a factor, as are accessibility issues for disabled people, geographic isolation, advanced age and access to education.
Whether someone you know needs internet or device access or you want to learn more about broadband in the state, there are plenty of resources:
Broadband Strategy for Delaware
This map shows where broadband infrastructure has been identified as lacking, where funding for improvements is coming from, and the progress of the project. This is a good place to see if your community is getting a broadband upgrade — and if you see a community that needs an upgrade that doesn’t have a dot, you should contact broadband@delaware.gov.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The FCC Affordable Connectivity Program offers internet service and device discounts for people on government programs like Medicaid and SNAP or if the household income is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines ($29,160 a year for a single person or $60,000 for a family of four). You can apply directly through a provider such as Xfinity or Verizon.
Delaware Libraries
Delaware Public Libraries offers free public computers and free internet access at all of its branches with no library card required, and people with a free library card can check out a mobile hotspot for internet access anywhere there is a cell signal. Delaware Libraries also have telemedicine kiosks and job centers for searching and applying for jobs online.
Delaware Broadband Initiative
The Delaware Broadband Initiative has a Community Engagement section where you can read proposals and give your input on broadband connectivity, access and equity by email or via surveys. This is also where you can sign up for email updates to keep up with the initiative’s progress.
NERDiT Cares
NERDiT Cares refurbishes and provides devices to individuals and families who do not have a home computer for schoolwork for free. The organization also runs free tech workforce development programs and will open its first NERDiT Café, offering free Wi-Fi in a “Wi-Fi desert” neighborhood, this fall.
Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative connects disabled Delawareans with all kinds of assistive technology, including devices that make using the internet accessible.
Senior centers and clubs
For internet-challenged senior Delawareans, check out the Technology Center at the Wilmington Senior Center, Senior Surfers Technology Club at the Newark Senior Center, or the Brandywine Senior Center at the Claymont Community Center.
Internet for All
The Internet for All calendar and newsletter includes access to free on-topic webinars.
Hot spot map
Here’s a map of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Delaware
Remote work for tourists
The Delaware Tourism Office has a page devoted to remote work resources, mostly geared toward people looking for a place to work for a few days near the beach or Riverfront.
BroadbandUSA
Follow nationwide news (or do a local search) about broadband programs, funding and federal grants at BroadbandUSA.
