The City of Baltimore will permanently close its digital divide by 2030. We will eliminate the root cause of broadband inequality by building ubiquitous, open access fiber infrastructure that will enable transformational opportunities for all residents.
The city's vision will sharpen with discussion. Baltimore's plan will evolve and grow stronger with citywide participation and partnerships. We invite feedback from the public, the private sector, institutions, non-profits, and all other stakeholders in Baltimore.

The city needs to take transformational action on the digital divide.
Broadband access has risen to the level of critical public infrastructure. It took a global pandemic to undeniably establish in the public mind that robust, affordable broadband service is an essential tool for our daily lives—as necessary as reliable electricity and clean water. Digital equity—including affordable broadband service, access to devices, and the digital skills necessary to use the internet—is critical to enabling all Baltimoreans to participate in the modern economy and civic life.

Systemic issues prevent many Baltimoreans from meaningfully connecting to the internet. In Baltimore as in most major American cities, broadband market forces are not functioning to the benefit of residents. Rather, market forces are functioning as might be expected in a near-monopoly environment—meaning the private sector is delivering services at levels and prices the market will bear, given a framework of limited competition and high costs of market entry.