{slider What is fiber optic cable?|closed}

Fiber optic cable (fiber) technology uses glass strands to transmit data via light waves. Fiber is ideal for digital communications, such as High-Speed Internet, Digital Video, and VoIP, and is capable of far greater bandwidth than other technologies.

{slider What are the benefits of fiber?}

There are many benefits to fiber, but faster Internet connections and the ability to download large amounts of data instantly, are the main benefits. Fiber-optic networks also support advanced services, such as high-definition television, 3-D video, and holographic imaging.

{slider How fast is a gigabit?}

1Gbps = 1000Mbps

{slider What is the difference between dark fiber and lit fiber?}

Dark fiber is unused optical fiber that has been laid but is not currently being used in fiber-optic communications. Because fiber-optic cable transmits information in the form of light pulses, a "dark" cable refers to one through which light pulses are not being transmitted.

Lit fiber is active optical fiber currently in use by ISPs or private organizations to transmit data.

{slider Why is the Kent County Government investing in a dark fiber network?}

The current architecture of the extended Kent County Government network is a hybrid model comprised of fixed and 4G wireless transmission and fiber optic connectivity leased through multiple providers.

The construction of the new fiber optic network will consolidate the various technologies. The construction of this network intends to expand the offerings of the current network providing fiber connectivity to multiple anchor institutions around the county, including public schools, public safety, local government agencies, and other public services.

The expansion of the county network, utilizing “future-proof” connectivity, creates the capability for agencies to operate more efficiently. This includes possible cost reduction in services or maintenance and improved connectivity for site-to-site services.

Along with the fiber utilized by the county government, additional strands of dark fiber will be available through Kent Fiber Optic Systems for lease by private organizations or ISPs which can be used to provide a variety of services to the home or business.

{slider Is there middle mile fiber in Kent County already?  Why would the government build over top of what is already there?}

The decision to connect multiple anchor institutions was intended to spread fiber backbone/middle mile coverage to as many regions of the County as possible.  Currently, only 13 of the sites are connected to a dark fiber network which is leased through a state government entity but lit and managed by the county.  This dark fiber is reserved for government use.  An additional 4 sites are connected through a dark fiber lease with a private sector entity.  The County government may not sub-lease these fibers.

The intention is to install high-capacity fiber optic connections between the selected anchor institutions to carry dark “middle mile” fiber throughout the majority of the County.  Providers will have the option of leasing fibers through Kent Fiber Optic Systems, to reach areas where construction may have been cost-prohibitive for some business models.

{slider Who manages the fiber optic network?}

The fiber optic backbone will be connecting over 60 anchor institutions and consists of several strands of fiber. A portion of this fiber is owned and managed by the Kent County Government, providing lit services to over 60 anchor institutions.

The remaining strands of dark fiber are owned and operated by Kent Fiber Optic Systems and will be available for lease to private entities to expand their current coverage.

{slider What is the significance of the connected anchor institutions?}

The anchor institutions consist of many major services to the public including:

• Board of Education and all public schools - Important to add or improve redundancy to all KCPS facilities because of the increasing reliance on cloud-based material, media servers and Technology Enhanced Classrooms (TEC).
• Public safety - Improved connectivity for web services and reporting.
  • Police
  • Fire
  • EMS
  • Detention center
• All public library branches - Improved connectivity to all 3 branches where computer access and internet access is available to the public.
• Community center - Improved connectivity to the computer lab where internet access is available to the public.
• Local and municipal government buildings - Improved connectivity for web-based services.
• Water and wastewater facilities - Improved connectivity for systems monitoring.
• Humane society - Improved connectivity for web-based services.
• Public beaches and community pools

{slider What services are available?}

ThinkBig Networks
Internet Provider

Kent Fiber Optic Systems
Dark Fiber Optics Provider

{/sliders}

{slider County-wide fiber optic network is now operational.|closed}

Due to the completion of the 110-mile backbone and the majority of anchor sites connected, construction updates will no longer be posted. Please visit the "Available Services" section on the FAQ page for more information about services available to residents and business.

{slider December 18, 2018 Progress Update:}

Service is now available at the Butlertown Water Tower.

{slider December 11, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber service is now available at the Kent County Detention Center.

{slider November 26, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber is now lit at Betterton wastewater treatment plant.

{slider November 13, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber at Chestertown Hospital is now lit.

{slider November 6, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber at Chestertown Visitor Center is now lit.

{slider October 23, 2018 Progress Update:}

Public WIFI is available at Bayside Pool.

{slider October 16, 2018 Progress Update:}

Public WIFI is available at Rob Vanary Park.

{slider October 9, 2018 Progress Update:}

Started permit preparations for conduit construction to Kent County Emergency Services on Vickers Lane.

{slider October 2, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing to additional anchor sites.

{slider September 25, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing to additional anchor sites.

{slider September 18, 2018 Progress Update:}

Public WIFI is available at Millington Pool.

{slider September 11, 2018 Progress Update:}

Public WIFI is available at Kennedyville Firehouse. ONT has been installed at Bayside Pool and is now lit.

{slider September 4, 2018 Progress Update:}

Kent County High School Stadium public WIFI service is available. Chestertown Middle School is now lit.

{slider August 28, 2018 Progress Update:}

Edesville Water Tower ONT has been installed and public WIFI service is available at Edesville Park. Chestertown Firehouse is now lit.

{slider August 21, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing to additional anchor sites.

{slider August 14, 2018 Progress Update:}

Rock Hall Main Street public WIFI service is available. ONT has been installed at Millington Pool.

{slider August 7, 2018 Progress Update:}

Rock Hall Main Street ONT has been installed.

{slider July 31, 2018 Progress Update:}

Betterton Park public WIFI service is available.

{slider July 21, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing to additional anchor sites.

{slider July 17, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing to additional anchor sites.

{slider July 10, 2018 Progress Update:}

Tolchester Fairgrounds is now lit and public WIFI service is available.

{slider July 3, 2018 Progress Update:}

Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company is now lit.

{slider June 26, 2018 Progress Update:}

Kent County Courthouse is now lit.

{slider June 19, 2018 Progress Update:}

Kennedyville Fire House is now lit. Construction has been completed at Kent County Middle School.

{slider June 12, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction has started for Chestertown Middle School.

{slider June 5, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction/building penetration has been completed for the Chestertown Visitor Center. ONT installation is scheduled.

{slider May 29, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction on Segment 19D has been completed and fiber has been installed. Construction for the States Attorney's Office and Fountain Park has been completed, fiber has been installed, and sites are now lit. The Final Splice celebration was held at Washington College on Thursday, May 24th.

{slider May 22, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing on Segment 19D. Fiber installed at Garnett Elementary and Rock Hall Elementary.

{slider May 15, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing on Segment 19D.

{slider May 8, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber has been installed on Segment 12. Construction has started on Segment 19D.

{slider May 1, 2018 Progress Update:}

Fiber being pulled along Segment 12.

{slider April 24, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing along Segment 12 Quaker Neck.

{slider April 17, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing on segment 12 towards Pomona. Proposed locations on segment 19 have been finalized and is awaiting approval.

{slider April 10, 2018 Progress Update:}

Continuing construction along segment 12 Quaker Neck. Marking for the remaining 2,200 ft left on the backbone in Chestertown. Working with the town on box placements.

{slider April 3, 2018 Progress Update:}

Segment 19C in Chestertown has fiber installed and tested. Segment 18 in Rock Hall is complete and awaiting test results. Conduit contstruction is continuing on segment 12 in Quaker Neck. Segment 19D in Chestertown is in initial engineering phase. Laterals to the following anchor sites have been completed: 400 High St, Chestertown Library, HHGES, Rock Hall Town office, Rock Hall Civic Center, RHES, and Gratitude Water Tower.

{slider March 27, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction along segment 12 Quaker Neck. Construction to Rock Hall Civic Center, Rock Hall Town Office, and Rock Hall Beach has been completed.

{slider March 20, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction has been completed along Philosophers Terrace. Fiber installation is continuing in Rock Hall on segment 18.

{slider March 13, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction has started along Philosophers Terrace. Fiber is being installed in Rock Hall on segment 18.

{slider March 6, 2018 Progress Update:}

Underground construction complete and fiber pulled along College, Calvert, Kent, High, and Mill St. Construction underway along Brown, School, and E. Campus. Segment 18 in Rock Hall nearing completion.

{slider February 27, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction has started along High St., Calvert St., N. Kent St., and N. Mill St. in Chestertown.

{slider February 20, 2018 Progress Update:} 

Conduit construction continuing along Rock Hall Ave. and Chesapeake Ave. in Rock Hall.

{slider February 13, 2018 Progress Update:} 

Construction complete at Betterton Park. Construction continuing along Rock Hall Ave.

{slider February 7, 2018 Progress Update:} 

Construction continuing along Rock Hall Rd. Segment to Board of Education under construction. Segment to Betterton Park under construction.

{slider January 30, 2018 Progress Update:} 

Construction complete to two Worton utility sites. Segment 18 - Construction along Chesapeake Ave, Bayside, and Beach Rd in Rock Hall.

{slider January 23, 2018 Progress Update:}

Construction for Millington Pool and Worton Park is now complete.

{slider October 17, 2017 - January 16 2018:}

Dark fiber provider reorganization and asset acquisition by Kent County Government and Kent Fiber Optic Systems.

{slider October 17, 2017 Progress Update:}

Segments 10 and 31 are now lit.

{slider October 10, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installed and tested at Tolchester Water Plant and Edesville Water Tower.

{slider October 3, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction complete for Tolchester Water Plant and Edesville Water Tower.

{slider September 26, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction on County anchor sites will commence early next week.

{slider September 12, 2017 Progress Update:}

FTS is in an engineering/planning phase for continued construction in Rock Hall and Chestertown.

{slider August 22, 2017 Progress Update:}

FTS working with the town of Rock Hall to locate underground utilities. Construction beginning on sub-segments 19a, 19b and 19c (Chestertown).

{slider August 15, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installed and tested from Kent QA Rescue on Segment 11. Fiber installed and tested from FWP on Segment 10. Locates are being worked out on Segment 18. Construction has started on segment 19B.

{slider August 8, 2017 Progress Update:}

{slider July 25, 2017 Progress Update:}

{slider July 18, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber is being installed along Segment 10. Construction continuing on Segments 11, 32. Locates are being entered for the down town Rock Hall loop Segment 18.

{slider July 11, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction is progressing on segments 11 and 32. Segment 18 is construction ready. Fiber is being installed on segment 10.

{slider July 4, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction is complete on segments 9 and 31.

{slider June 27, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction progressing on segment 10. Fiber being installed on segments 9 and 31.

{slider June 20, 2017 Progress Update:} 

Fiber installation has begun on segments 9 and 31. Construction has begun on segment 22 and is progressing on segment 10. Construction on segment 27 has been completed. Conduit installation for Galena Waste Water Treatment Plant has begun.

{slider June 13, 2017 Progress Update:}

Segments 9, 10, 27 and 31 are progressing with construction.

{slider June 6, 2017 Progress Update:}

Segments 9, 10, 27 and 31 are progressing with construction. Will be working to get FWP turned up with an ONT on Thursday/Friday so Segment 1 and 5 can be lit.

{slider May 30, 2017 Progress Update:}

Segments 9, 10, 27 and 31 are progressing with construction. Segment 21 is now lit.

{slider May 23, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction continuing on segments 9, 10, and 31.

{slider May 17, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction has begun on segments 9, 10, 21, 27 and 31.

{slider May 10, 2017 Progress Update:}

Galena and Betterton Fire Department "lit".

{slider May 3, 2017 Progress Update:}

Worton to Fairlee construction complete.

{slider April 26, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction on segments 1 and 5 has been completed.

{slider April 18, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction on segments 1 and 5 scheduled for completion within the week. Conduit construction on segments 9, 10, and 31 to begin within the week.

{slider April 11, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction begins on segment 21 and 27.

{slider April 5, 2017 Progress Update:}

Chestertown to Fairlee construction complete; Crews working on Segments 1 and 5, and Kennedyvile Fire Department.

{slider March 28, 2017 Progress Update:}

Betterton and Galena Fire departments have fiber installed and Humane Society has lit service.

{slider March 22, 2017 Progress Update:}

Galena through Sassafras to Millington has been tested.

{slider March 14, 2017 Progress Update:}

With segments 25 and 30 completed and spliced, a fiber ring is now available allowing for redundancy across the phase 1 build. Construction continues on segments 1 and 5, and within the Worton school campus.

{slider February 28, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction is completed on segment 25. Groundbreaking on segment 1 has begun. Installed and tested connectivity for Galena Elementary School.

{slider February 22, 2017 Progress Update:}

Chestertown to Millington has been "lit".

{slider February 14, 2017 Progress Update:}

Construction is complete on segments 2 and 3. Fiber is lit on segments 7, 13, 15, 23, and 26.

{slider February 8, 2017 Progress Update:}

Continued work on segments 2, 3, and 25. These segments should be completed next week.

{slider January 31, 2017 Progress Update:}

Conduit installed on segment 25. Fiber currently being pulled on segments 17 and 3. Conduit being installed at Worton Campus and Grounds Maintenance.

{slider January 24, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installation for Betterton Town Hall is completed.

{slider January 17, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installation for Betterton Town Hall has started.

{slider January 10, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installed on segments 6 and 14.

{slider January 3, 2017 Progress Update:}

Fiber installed on segments 15 and 23.

{slider December 27, 2016 Progress Update:}

State Highway Administration policy restricts construction 12/23-12/28

{slider December 20, 2016 Progress Update:}

Fiber has been installed at Galena town office and Kent and QA Rescue. Worton campus conduit installation is near completion. Fiber installation in progress on segment 14 and 15.

{slider December 13, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 26 has fiber installed and currently being spliced and prepared for testing. Segment 16 and 29 fiber install completed. Worton Campus has begun construction.

{slider December 7, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 8 construction complete. Railroad crossings on Segment 26 and 16 are complete with fiber now being placed.

{slider November 29, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 5 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 19 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction in Progress. 

{slider November 22, 2016 Progress Update:}

Holiday break

{slider November 15, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 1 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. "We are currently connecting Washington College to ThinkBig Networks office, which means we are connecting FTS’ fiber to Maryland Broadband’s network" - FTS Fiber.

{slider November 9, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 21 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready.

{slider November 1, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 4 updated from Construction in Progress to Construction Complete. Segment 25 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready.

{slider October 24, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 8 and 15 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress. Segment 17 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready.

{slider October 17, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 8 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 11 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 15 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress (starting 10/19). Segments 32 and 33 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted.

{slider October 10, 2016 Progress Update:}

Update given to Millington Town Council.

{slider October 3, 2016 Progress Update:}

Update given to Galena Town Council.

{slider September 26, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 3 and 23 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress.

{slider September 19, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 15 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segments 16 and 29 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress. Segment 32 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation.

{slider September 12, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 32 updated from Pending to Field Surveying in Progress. Segment 33 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation.

{slider September 5, 2016 Progress Update:}

Anchor Site Signatures.

{slider August 29, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segments 2, 4 and 24 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress. Segment 7 updated from Construction in Progress to Construction Complete. Segment 11 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation.

{slider August 22, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 26 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress.

{slider August 15, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 11 updated from Pending to Field Surveying in Progress. Segment 29 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready.

{slider August 8, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 9 and 10 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 12 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation. Segment 26 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready.

{slider August 1, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 4 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 5 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segments 12 and 33 updated from Pending to Field Surveying in Progress. Millington updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation.

{slider July 25, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segments 6, 7, and 14 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress. Segment 24 updated from Permit Preparation to Construction Ready.

{slider July 18, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segments 2 and 3 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 9 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation. Segments 13 and 28 updated from Construction in Progress to Construction Complete. Segment 31 updated from Pending to Permit Preparation.

{slider July 11, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 17, 26, and 29 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 22 and 27 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 30 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation.

{slider July 5, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segments 6 and 7 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 28 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress.

{slider June 27, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 14 and 28 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 22 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 30 added – Field Surveying in Progress. Segment 31-32 added – Pending.

{slider June 21, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 1, 16, and 25 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 5 updated Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation. Segment 9 updated from Pending to Field Surveying in Progress. Segment 10 updated from Field Surveying to Permit Preparation. Segment 18 updated from Pending to Permit Preparation. Segment 29 added – Permit Preparation.

{slider June 14, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segment 1 and 19 updated from Field Surveying in Progress to Permit Preparation. Segment 8 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted. Segment 10 updated from Pending to Field Surveying in Progress. Segment 13 updated from Construction Ready to Construction in Progress. Segment 20 updated from Permit Submitted to Construction Ready. Segment 28 updated from Permit Preparation to Permit Submitted.

{slider June 6, 2016 Progress Update:}

Segments 1, 5, and 19 updated to Field Surveying in Progress. Segments 8, 16-17, 22, 25-26, and 28 updated to Permit Preparation. Segments 2-4, 6-7, 14-15, 20-21, 23-24, and 27 updated to Permits Submitted. Segment 13 updated to Construction Ready. Segments 9-12 and 18 Pending.

{/sliders}

Mission

The goals of the Kent County Fiber network are to improve the quality and coverage of services available in our rural county, improve or create new fiber interconnects between various departments and government organizations within the county to improve interoperability, provide additional emergency preparedness, and to create opportunities to enable public/private entities. Within Kent County, organizations such as public safety agencies, public schools, libraries and local government offices will receive access to new services, which helps to reduce costs and increase network reliability. By promoting Kent County's fiber network, the county is helping organizations meet their technological needs today, tomorrow, and in the future.

History

The recent effort to construct the Kent County Fiber Optic Network came about through the work of numerous organizations.  Publication of the “Broadband Plan For Upper Eastern Shore & Lower Easter Shore” in 2012 initiated discussions within the Kent County Economic Development Board regarding rural broadband expansion. The revised “Economic Development Plan for Kent County, Maryland” published in 2013 states that the plan’s primary goal is infrastructure enhancement as a way to address the broadband limitations often found in rural areas.

• ·         “Our primary goal is to enhance the infrastructure needed to support new and existing businesses and institutions in Kent County—particularly access to affordable, robust and high capacity internet access.  By taking this action, we expect to expand the competitive capability of local businesses and institutions, provide more job opportunities for younger and middle-aged residents and improve our ability to attract and retain newly retired residents who choose to live in Kent County.”

The process of conducting studies, mapping and assessments, beginning in early 2014, led to the publication of the request for proposal (RFP), “Design and Construction of a Fiber Optic Broadband Network” in late 2015. Construction is underway.

Starting a Business

Starting your own business can be exhilarating and exhausting. It all starts with an idea than a business plan. The business plan has no set rules, format, length or content. It is meant to be your guide to success. Business plans vary depending on the complexity of the industry and market it will serve. Developing a business plan will help you analyze your idea to see if it is feasible and provide you with a path to follow for success. Along with a business plan you will need a Startup Cost Sheet, Balance Sheet, Profit and Lost Statement and Cash Flow. The financials are interactive and will be a big help. We have also included some links to help with the legal and tax paperwork needed.

Contact

Kent County - Economic Development - Film Inventory

Contact

Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) - Workforce Information & Performance

Maryland State Data Center

Kent County Industry Series - Maryland's Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW)

Economic Impact of Resource-Based Industries in Maryland_BEACON_30JANUARY2018

The Impact of Agriculture on Maryland's Economy_April 2013

USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture County Profile

Maryland Data Explorer

Maryland GDP by County

NACo County Profile

Rural Maryland Outlook

2013 Nonprofits by the Numbers

U.S. News Healthiest Communities

Economic Impact Analysis of Publicly Funded Pre-K-12 Education on the Eastern Shore of Maryland 2013

The Economic and Community Value of the Eastern Shore of Maryland Public Schools_2019

The Census Bureau

The Census Bureau County Profile

2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer

Maryland Workforce Exchange

Maryland Department of Labor Labor Market Information Website

Maryland Office of Tourism Research Dashboard

Eastern Shore Economic Recovery - Delmarva Index

2021 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland