Choptank Electric Cooperative on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an example of how many electric cooperatives are providing broadband service in rural communities.

Broadband access in rural areas is linked to increased job and population growth, higher rates of new business formation and home values, and lower unemployment rates.

Digital connections have become more important in a time of social distancing, but rural broadband access still lags behind cities.

The digital access “homework gap” most severely affects students in poor households and is compounded in rural areas by a lack of broadband internet infrastructure.

During a Baltimore Data Day session, leading experts shared research findings and recommended how to advance access to digital resources.

The Richmond Fed participated in a conference with municipal governments and technology innovators to address shared issues faced by cities and communities.

Tim McGaha of Choptank Electric Cooperative offers his perspective on the company's program to bring broadband Internet to rural communities in Maryland.

Join us to discuss best practices and possible solutions for rapid broadband expansion in our region. We also encourage you to explore broadband research by our experts like regional economist Alexander Marré.

Alex Marré and Anna Read discuss how communities can maximize broadband resources.