Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Garrett County
Garrett County is committed to ensuring all residents have access to affordable, high-speed internet and the digital tools necessary to thrive. Building on recent strides in expanding broadband access, this Digital Opportunity Plan, developed through the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, provides a roadmap to transform this progress into greater digital adoption and expanded economic opportunities for residents and local businesses.
Garrett County’s Digital Opportunity Plan outlines strategies to maximize the impact of broadband investments by addressing barriers such as affordability, device access, and digital literacy. The plan emphasizes universal broadband coverage, programs to expand remote work and entrepreneurship, and initiatives to equip residents with essential digital skills. By leveraging strong community partnerships and a coordinated strategy, the county aims to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for all residents.
For the past 15 years, Garrett County has worked to expand broadband access, ensuring our community members can connect to the online resources they need. This work wouldn’t have been possible without the promise of substantial BEAD and DEA funding in rural America. But this work isn’t done—we still have many addresses without service, leaving families and businesses behind in the economy, education, health, and every other digital resource that much of the country takes for granted.
13.9% of households lack internet access entirely, twice the Maryland state average, showcasing the need for continued connectivity efforts.
Just 54.8% of households subscribe to wired broadband such as cable, fiber, or DSL, compared with 78.6% statewide.
In 2022, 9.9% of county residents said they work from home, up from 5.7% in 2017 — reflecting the growing importance of connectivity for jobs.
Research from CORI finds that communities with a locally-focused fiber ISP and high adoption rates can expect to see a 44% boost to GDP.
Powering Economic Growth
Grarrett County has created a complimentary strategy outlining how to transform emerging world-class infrastructure and adoption into economic benefits.
What’s next?
Garrett County’s Digital Opportunity Plan will serve as the foundation for upcoming funding opportunities, including the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The County Government is also working closely with partners to enhance digital opportunity programs serving seniors, the workforce, and youth across the county. These efforts are managed by the Broadband Division, led by Cheryl DeBerry, Broadband and Energy Manager.
For more information, contact broadband@garrettcountymd.gov or 301-914-1543.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
