SNOW HILL, Md. - Working with the internet could be easier in Maryland. That's because Governor Hogan announced the Connect Maryland Initiative. The $400 million initiative includes money to expand broadband access across the state. The initiative also includes discounts on internet services for qualified households. Regina Fletcher owns a dry cleaning business in Snow Hill. Regina said she frequently has internet issues and cannot use her cash register when the internet is down.
"If the internet is shutting down, I have to wait and that takes time because the customers are here picking their dry cleaning but they have to wait to pay," Fletcher said.
Regina's granddaughter A'leigh also had to deal with slow internet during virtual classes last year.
"The wifi would kick out sometimes so I would have to restart my work and all my projects," A'leigh said.
Diana Noltey owns a toy store in Snow Hill. She hopes this initiative works for everyone.
"I think it will be great, I hope it works. We've had more than one effort trying to get it going, none of them really panned out for the residential and business community, they've all been for government so I'm hoping this time it will work for everybody," Noltey said.
Governor Hogan said the goal is to ensure universal broadband for all parts of Maryland by 2025.
