%
of rural Americans without broadband
people in Electric Co-Op service areas without broadband
Electric Co-Ops and counting deploying broadband solutions
VMDABC
Connecting Communities Across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware
Advancing Cutting-Edge Broadband Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide
We believe having a reliable internet connection is a basic need in today’s digital economy, just like your electric service. Regrettably, nearly 30 percent of Americans living in rural communities do not have access to broadband in their homes and businesses compared to just 2 percent of urban Americans. This divide is evident in rural areas served by Electric Co-ops, with an estimated 13.4 million people in co-op service areas lacking broadband access. More must be done to expand access to broadband services in order to support the economic vitality and well-being of these rural communities. Electric Co-Ops are leading the way to bridge this divide, with nearly 200 co-ops deploying broadband solutions and as many as 100 exploring the feasibility of offering broadband services.
The Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Association of Broadband Cooperatives (VMDABC) is working to support this effort. VMDABC is a first-of-its-kind association committed to bringing the highest quality broadband to rural communities across our region. Whether you are an Electric Co-op providing the fiber backbone, a middle-mile partner, a last-mile service provider, an infrastructure manufacturer, a supplier, or an installation contractor, we invite you to join our effort to bring broadband to our rural communities.
Latest News
Broadband providers, railroads clash on crossing legislation – from WDBJ/Channel 7
By Joe Dashiell Published: Jan. 27, 2023 at 7:10 PM EST RICHMOND, Va. (WDBJ) – A dispute between broadband providers and railroads in Virginia is playing out in the General Assembly. And how it’s resolved could have an impact on thousands of people who are waiting for high speed internet. At issue is how long it takes […]
States look to speed fiber installation across railroad tracks – from GNC.com
JANUARY 24, 2023 Virginia’s legislature wants to cap crossing fees and speed up the review process, but railroad companies say current practices protect safety. Fiber deployments that need to cross railroad rights of way sometimes get mired in bureaucratic delays and onerous fees that can impact the financial viability of deployment, some states say. The […]
Life In The Heart Land
97% of America’s land mass is rural, and these rural areas are home to 60 million Americans. And the stories that happen here impact us all. “Life In The Heart Land” dives deep into the heart of America to meet the neighbors, communities, and organizations that are creating unique solutions to rural America’s toughest challenges. […]
Choptank Receives Large Grant to Continue Broadband Work
by Valerie Connelly – Vice President Government Affairs & Public Relations, Choptank DENTON – Choptank Electric Cooperative and its subsidiary, Choptank Fiber, were awarded over $23 million from the state’s FY2022 Network Infrastructure & Neighborhood Connect programs to continue broadband construction on the Eastern Shore. The new grant awards, recently announced by Governor Larry Hogan, […]
VMDABC Invites Members to Attend the Second Annual Rural Fiber Expo!
VMDABC is proud to announce that the second annual member event, the Rural Fiber Expo, will be held September 14-16, 2022 at Hilton The Main Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The event will feature an expanded vendor expo, networking opportunities, policy roundtables, breakout sessions, and opportunities to meet with broadband industry experts from across the mid-Atlantic. […]
Firefly Will Expand in Louisa County Sooner Than Planned
PALMYRA, VA – Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC), announced that their fiber broadband and voice-over-IP phone service will be available in the Henson’s Store area of Louisa County sooner than anticipated. CVEC started fiber construction at the Henson’s Store substation more quickly than planned due to securing additional construction […]
Choptank Fiber Connects its First Customer
DENTON, MD – Choptank Fiber, Choptank Electric Cooperative’s wholly-owned broadband subsidiary, delivered broadband service to its first customer on April 15, 2021. Choptank Electric Cooperative welcomed elected officials, including Gov. Larry Hogan, Sen. Steve Hershey, Sen. Addie Eckardt, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, members of the Eastern Shore Delegation, Caroline County government, and Office of Rural Broadband […]
VMDABC
Class A Members
