Delaware Converting Broadband Deserts

The groundwork for a well-connected Delaware dates back to 1997 with a pioneering collaboration between the state's departments of technology & information, transportation, and education. The Delaware Department of Transportation constructed extensive fiber for transportation purposes, quickly placing Delaware at the cutting edge of intelligent state transportation systems. This initial public investment in fiber infrastructure also supported a broad array of public institutions. Excess fiber capacity was made available to the Department of Technology & Information to support education initiatives and other state agency communications needs. By 2020, the state's fiber backbone extends approximately 700 miles. The state benefits both from a robust state network and a culture of inter-agency collaboration. Building off of that groundwork, Delaware now strives to be the first state with wireline broadband access at every home and business.