BEAD Program Impact Assessment for Maryland

This technical report presents an assessment of the BEAD Program's impact on broadband availability in Maryland as of January 2024. It outlines the number of unserved and underserved locations eligible for BEAD funding, highlighting that 56,000 locations lack high-speed broadband access, which is significantly lower than the state/territory average of 9%. The report details the estimated funding allocated to Maryland, amounting to $268 million, which is below the average for similar states. It also discusses the total capital available for deployment, estimated at $385 million, combining BEAD funding and provider matches. The report further describes deployment scenarios, including baseline and maximum fiber deployment strategies, and the implications of these strategies on coverage and budget allocation. Additionally, it notes that Maryland's decision-making will involve balancing fiber deployment with the need to retain funds for other eligible programs, ensuring that all eligible locations can receive high-speed broadband access.