Broadband Division

Garrett County Government is committed to expanding rural broadband connectivity to its citizens and businesses throughout the county. 

What is broadband? In its simplest form, broadband means "high speed internet."  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband capability as requiring consumers to have access to actual download speeds of at least 25 Mbps (Megabits per second) and actual upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps.  Some federal grant funding requires broadband capabilities of 100 Mbps symmetrical service (100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload).  

The goal is for all Garrett County residents and businesses to have access to and use of information and communication technologies. Currently around 6,000 addresses still lack access to high speed internet. The county continues to seek and apply for funding to help all area Internet Service Providers to expand their service areas to include unserved addresses in Garrett County. From finding funding for middle mile expansion projects to assisting with infrastructure extensions to businesses and homes, the County remains committed to helping Internet Service Providers reach the remaining unserved customers in the county.

The county first worked to connect our critical infrastructure (schools, hospital, county services, etc.) and then started working on broader broadband issues, targeting business, organization and residential access. An original feasibility study (8.01 MB) was completed in 2012. The study concluded that a public-private partnership using fixed wireless technology (TV White Space (TVWS) and other unlicensed spectrum) is the best solution for the rugged, remote areas of Garrett County. The County partnered with a private Internet Service Provider to deploy this project. Learn more

A more recent updated study assessed the addresses still in need of service as well as suggested efforts to reach those addresses. The Garrett County Broadband Plan Table of Contents and Recommendations 2022 (392.94 KB) and full Garrett County Broadband Plan - Full 2022 (4.16 MB) were completed in 2022.

Connected Devices Program

Households in Garrett County meeting the income guidelines can receive a free Google Chromebook (one per address, Maryland residents only). 

Do I Qualify? Distribution Locations 

Broadband Service Information Portal

Share internet service information with the county to help identify areas in need of new or additional broadband infrastructure. You can share information about where you cannot get internet service or provide us with information about your existing connection.  Please call 301-914-1543 if you are unable to access the portal link by clicking the picture below.  

Garrett County is a National Digital Inclusion Alliance Affiliate Member, committed to digital inclusion.

Portions of some broadband projects in Garrett County are conducted in cooperation with USDA Rural Development.  This institution in an equal opportunity provider.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant, Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email: [email protected] 
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Digital Opportunity Plan
Last Updated 9/17/2024 12:55pm
In 2024, Garrett County was selected to be an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant subrecipient for a Connect Humanity project, assisting rural Appalachian communities in developing plans to tackle digital education, opportunities, equity and inclusion and to be able to take advantage of... see more
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Map Challenge
Last Updated 10/21/2024 4:40pm
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband map lists which internet service providers claim to provide broadband service to each address in the United States. We need your help making sure the map is correct! If your address shows on the FCC map as having high speed internet service, then... see more
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Learn Digital Skills
Last Updated 3/22/2024 11:04am
Below are links to free tools* to help you learn digital skills such as: how to use a device, how to be safe online, and how to find what you need on the internet: Palm Beach County Library Mousercise - How to use a mouse https://pbc.gov/mousercise/ Typing Test - Learn to type and test your accuracy... see more
Get connected with high speed internet! The Customer Connect Subsidy can help residents in hard-to-reach-addresses to get high speed internet service. If you have been quoted a cost above your budget to get internet to your home, contact us to apply.
Customer Connect Subsidy Program
Last Updated 10/21/2024 4:47pm
Garrett County Government offers subsidies for bringing broadband service to difficult-to-serve addresses in Garrett County. Any resident who has been quoted a price to reach their home with broadband service that is out of their budget, please reach out to: Cheryl DeBerry, Broadband & Energy... see more
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Former Affordable Connectivity Program
Last Updated 10/21/2024 4:52pm
The former Affordable Connectivity Program was a federal benefit that helped qualifying low-income households pay for internet service and devices. Since January 2022, the ACP grew to help over 22 million U.S. households (including nearly 1,300 in Garrett County) access the internet. However, the... see more