NEW YORK, April 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon is bringing more choice for reliable internet to Maryland residents as it deploys high-speed, fiber optic broadband internet service across the state. Nearly 4,000 new households and businesses in Charles, Garrett, Cecil, Howard, St. Mary's and Washington County will have access to Verizon's Fios network as part of one of the biggest upgrades in our history.

"Verizon is focused on delivering high-speed internet service and the major economic benefits that it can provide, especially in unserved and underserved areas," said Kwame Trotman, Vice President of Wireline Network Operations-Mid-Atlantic South Region for Verizon. "More people than ever across Maryland will have access to our 100% fiber Fios internet service to fuel how they work, live and play."

This rural broadband project is built in partnership with the state of Maryland and the FCC to deliver fast, fiber broadband service (with symmetrical download and upload speeds between 300Mbps up to 2Gbps) to residents in rural parts of the state. The $26 million project includes $11 million in funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), combined with over $14 million in investment from Verizon. Over 500 miles of fiber – the equivalent of running fiber between Baltimore and Charleston, South Carolina – will be deployed in connection with the build.

"This award is fantastic. We will be able to connect over one-third of our unserved addresses through this one project," said Garrett County Commissioner Paul Edwards.

"Within the past three years, we have made tremendous strides in closing the digital divide for those who lack broadband," noted Cecil County Executive Danielle Hornberger. "With these recent awards, my administration has led the way on over $23.4 million in broadband projects that have connected – or will connect in the near future – over 2,130 Cecil County addresses that previously lacked broadband service."

Providing connectivity to all communities

In an effort to provide connectivity to families in need across the country, Verizon is proud to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP),¹ a U.S. government program run by the FCC to help low-income households afford internet service. With ACP eligibility and the Verizon Forward Program², qualified customers can get free Verizon home internet service without hidden fees or annual contracts, and no equipment charges or data caps. You are eligible for ACP if you (or someone in your household) participates in certain government assistance programs. Learn more about the Verizon Forward Program by visiting www.verizon.com/home/free-verizon-internet/.

Transformative network performance with no data caps

Verizon's 100% fiber network delivers Fios broadband service with no data caps. Customers who subscribe to Fios broadband service will have access to a wide range of plans that deliver at least 300 Mbps for both downloads and uploads starting at just $25 per month with Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans.³ Select locations will have access to Fios 2 Gig plans - the fastest speeds offered by Fios - starting at $94.99 per month with Auto Pay and select 5G mobile plans.⁴

Learn more about Fios and what services are available in your area by calling (800) 837-4966.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): ACP is a government program providing eligible households with internet service discounts. One program discount per household. Discount expires upon FCC's termination of program; then our standard rates and service terms and conditions apply.
Limited-time offer for eligible residential customers with ACP applied to a Fios Mix & Match internet plan. Discounts may vary. May not combine with all offers. Fios Mix & Match available in select areas.
For existing 5G Do More, 5G Play More, 5G Get More or One Unlimited for iPhone plan customers who then add and maintain a Fios 300 Mbps plan. Availability varies. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req'd.. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Mobile + Home Discount enrollment req'd. $99 setup and other terms may apply. Wired speeds advertised. Wireless speeds may vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See Verizon.com/yourspeed for more info.
For existing 5G Do More, 5G Play More, 5G Get More or One Unlimited for iPhone plan customers who then add and maintain a Fios 2 Gig plan. 2 Gig is available in select areas only. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req'd. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. Mobile + Home Discount enrollment req'd. $99 setup and other terms may apply. 2 Gigabit network connection to your home. Average wired download and upload speeds between 1.5 Gbps and 2.3 Gbps. Wired and wireless speeds vary due to device limits, multiple users, network & other factors. See verizon.com/yourspeed for more info.

Verizon Communications Inc. ((NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world's leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers' demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

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Media contact:

Ilya Hemlin

908.227.0536

Ilya.hemlin@verizon.com

Caroline Brooks

caroline.brooks@verizon.com