Choptank Fiber Is the Newest Contender in The Race to Provide Broadband to the Eastern Shore

DENTON –Choptank Fiber, Choptank Electric Cooperative’s wholly-owned broadband subsidiary, was introduced to the Maryland General Assembly’s Eastern Shore Delegation on Friday, February 12, 2021. The new broadband provider boasts true Gigabit speed with no data caps and plans to begin hook-ups as early as Summer of 2021 to selected areas.

Choptank Fiber's goal is to install broadband one community at a time, by reinvesting monthly subscription revenue into developing the infrastructure for the next community, until the entirety of the rural Shore is served.

“We are excited to begin installations this coming summer for the many members who are without adequate internet access,” said Mike Malandro, President and CEO of Choptank Electric Cooperative. “Our plan is to reach our membership on the Eastern Shore in a ten-year period, but we are also aggressively pursuing grant funds at the federal and state levels to accelerate our deployment.” 

The business plan is finalized, and Choptank Electric Cooperative is now reviewing existing fiber infrastructure and developing the technical specifications necessary to deliver broadband service. 

“The Board is proud to undertake this long-term project on behalf of the membership” said Jeff Rathell, Chairman of the Board and Talbot County representative. “We know how important broadband is, not only to our members, but to the entire Eastern Shore.” 

To learn more about Choptank Fiber please visit www.choptankfiber.com.