Internet & Technology Access

Digital equity means ensuring equal access and opportunity to the internet and associated technologies and resources, regardless of a person’s socioeconomic status, geographic location, race, gender, or other factors. It focuses on addressing the digital divide, which is the gap between those who have access to and can effectively use the internet and those who do not.

• Anne Arundel County Public Libraries:  AACPL offers to loan chromebooks and wifi hotspots, online learning wireless printing, assistive technology, and computer use in library branches. Please visit https://www.aacpl.net/digital-equity for more information.
• Wired Broadband Access Capital Project:  This project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, will build out access to service for 83 residences in the County that do not currently have access to service.
• Connected Devices Chromebook Distributions: In partnership with the Anne Arundel County Public Libraries, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Housing Commission of Anne Arundel County, and the State of Maryland, the County has distributed 7,500 free Chromebooks to eligible residents.

The below resources are external to Anne Arundel County government. 

• Broadband Data: The following resources provide data about broadband availability.
  • Federal Communications Commission Broadband Service Maps
  • BroadbandNow National Broadband Maps
  • Maryland Statewide Broadband Dashboard
• Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband: This State Office offers community resources, grant programs, data dashboards, and state broadband plans.
  • Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Office of Statewide Broadband
• University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online: This program offers technology education through digital classes and programs, trains digital navigators, and develops digital literacy resources. UME also operates a tech support helpline.
  • University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online
  • To connect with a Marylanders Online helpline digital navigator, call the toll-free number 1-866-206-8467 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email marylandersonline@umd.edu.
• Service Providers in Anne Arundel County: There are three broadband service providers operating in Anne Arundel County, although availability varies by location. For more information about each provider and availability, please see the below resources.
  • Comcast Xfinity
  • Verizon Fios
  • Astound Broadband 

The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer available as of June 1, 2024. Constituents may qualify for a different federal program called Lifeline. If eligible, customers can receive up to $9.25 per month off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.