Easton Velocity announces that grant funding supporting the expansion of high-speed broadband access across rural areas of Talbot County is nearing its conclusion. As this historic investment reaches its final phase, eligible residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to request that their broadband service drop be installed now, before the grant period officially closes.
June 30, 2026, marks the completion of the project, which was to achieve 100% access to broadband throughout Talbot County. As of January 2026, all eligible addresses now have access to service, and more than 2,300 service drops have been installed.
“Since 2023, the State of Maryland’s Office of Statewide Broadband has connected more than 43,000 homes to high-speed internet. This important effort continues across Maryland, including in Talbot County, as we work to connect the last remaining locations unserved by broadband infrastructure,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “We’re proud to partner with Easton Utilities to meet our goal of connecting all Marylanders to high-speed internet by 2030.”
Talbot County was proud to be the first county in the State of Maryland to achieve full funding for countywide broadband deployment, and now the first county to provide 100% access as well. This milestone reflects years of planning and partnership, and positions Talbot County as a statewide leader in closing the digital divide. In 2017, Delegate Johnny Mautz (now Senator Mautz) and Senator Addie Eckardt sponsored legislation entitled, “A Task Force on Internet, Wireless, and Cellular Service on the Eastern Shore.” Because of their actions, the study results from this task force led to the creation of the original Office of Rural Broadband under the Department of Housing and Community Development, which is now the Office of Statewide Broadband.
“Finishing the Connect Talbot project is something we can all be proud of. This didn’t happen overnight, it took years of planning, smart investment, and true teamwork between our town, county, and state partners to get it done,” says Johnny Mautz, Maryland State Senator. “At the end of the day, this is about making sure families and small businesses in every corner of our community have the reliable internet they need. It means better opportunities for local businesses, easier access to online learning and telehealth, and a better quality of life for folks who simply want to stay connected.”
“This grant for the Connect Talbot project represents a major investment in the future of our rural communities,” said Chuck Callahan, President of the Talbot County Council. “It has allowed Easton Velocity to extend reliable, high-speed internet access to areas that have long been underserved, and we want to ensure that every eligible resident has the chance to connect before this funding expires.”
Access to broadband for those with insufficient service continues to positively impact numerous qualities of life issues including employment, healthcare, education, and social connections, all of which help drive economic prosperity. According to the Mid-Shore Board of Realtors, broadband can be as fundamental as water and electricity when it comes to buying a home.
Once the grant funding ends, eligible customers who have not requested a service drop installation will be responsible for the full cost of installation, which can be significant. During the grant period, these costs are substantially reduced or fully covered, making this a limited-time opportunity for eligible locations. It is important to add that a monthly subscription for service is not necessary, but the focus is more on ensuring the actual drop is constructed while funding is still available.
“We are urging any customers located within the grant-funded service area to take action now,” said Ted L. Book, VP of Easton Velocity. “Those who delay requesting installation until after the grant closes will still be able to obtain service; however, they will be required to pay the full installation cost out of pocket which we are trying to avoid.”
This broadband expansion project was made possible through ongoing collaboration and support from the USDA, FCC, State of Maryland, Talbot County, Town of Easton, and Easton Utilities/Easton Velocity. Their commitment to improving infrastructure and closing the digital divide has played a critical role in bringing modern connectivity to underserved areas. Local leaders continue to emphasize that this partnership has played a critical role in strengthening economic development, improving access to education and healthcare, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
“Connect Talbot is another great example of Easton Utilities leading the way and bettering our community. Created in collaboration with local, county, state, and federal agencies, this program accomplishes so much more than providing technological solutions. It increases the connectivity of our neighbors, expands the support network of our region, and enriches our lives in so many important ways. Connect Talbot is already a success, but its long-term benefits will only continue to grow from here.” Megan Cook, mayor of Easton.
“We are grateful for the leadership and investment from partners,” said John J. Horner, President and CEO of Easton Utilities. “Their commitment to rural connectivity has made this project possible and has positioned our community for future growth.”
For more information on eligibility, installation requests, and deadlines, please visit EastonVelocity.com/ConnectTalbot or call 410-822-6110 for details.