Delaware Adds Verizon Broadband Project to Accelerator

Governor Matt Meyer is fast-tracking a $43.3 million effort to expand high-speed internet to thousands of Delaware properties.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration of a fiber-optic cable spool on a gravel path, representing a state broadband infrastructure project. — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer is accelerating a $43.3 million broadband project to bring high-speed internet to 2,000 homes and businesses statewide. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments prioritize streamlining permits to speed up the construction of new broadband infrastructure?

Governor Matt Meyer announced the inclusion of a new Verizon broadband initiative in the state's JobsFirst Accelerator program. This project aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to more than 2,000 homes and businesses across Delaware.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to strengthen Delaware's economic competitiveness while improving access to essential education and business opportunities. By using the JobsFirst Accelerator, the state aims to bypass administrative bottlenecks that often hinder large infrastructure builds.

The $43.3 million investment leverages private capital at a 4-to-1 ratio against federal funding. This infrastructure will extend broadband services to more than 2,000 homes and businesses.

The players

Matt Meyer

Matt Meyer is the Governor of Delaware who is responsible for overseeing the state's economic development and infrastructure initiatives.

Verizon

Verizon is a multinational telecommunications conglomerate that provides high-speed internet and mobile services to millions of customers.

Delaware Broadband Office

The Delaware Broadband Office is the state agency tasked with managing federal broadband grant programs and expanding internet access.

The details

The project is a collaboration between the Delaware Department of Technology and Information, the NTIA, and Verizon. By consolidating permit reviews through the JobsFirst Accelerator, the state intends to accelerate the deployment of broadband construction crews.

October 20, 2026: Governor Matt Meyer announced the inclusion of the project in the JobsFirst Accelerator.

The Tech Race

This project operates within the framework of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. It represents a broader shift toward leveraging public-private partnerships to close the digital divide in underserved regions.

Residents and business owners in the targeted areas should see reduced wait times for broadband installation as permitting is streamlined. Improved connectivity will likely enhance local remote work capabilities and access to digital educational resources.

The takeaway

Streamlined permitting processes can significantly reduce the lead time required for critical utility infrastructure deployment. Business and residential users should monitor state announcements to see if their specific area is included in this phase of expansion.