edited by Shannon Rogers
Carroll County’s long-running effort to expand broadband access has earned international recognition, with the county’s Public Network initiative receiving a 2026 Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect.
The annual awards, presented by TechConnect, recognize innovative smart-city projects from around the world that demonstrate significant impact and leadership in technology and infrastructure.
Representatives from Carroll County Economic Development accepted the award earlier this week at the Smart Cities Connect Conference and Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina. During Thursday’s open session of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners in Westminster, Maryland, a crystal award was presented to county commissioners and several key partners involved in the project.
Those partners included Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll County Public Library, Carroll Community College and Skyline Technology Solutions.
The recognition highlights the Carroll County Public Network (CCPN), a countywide fiber-optic infrastructure project designed to expand broadband access and support public institutions. The middle-mile network, launched in 2007, now spans more than 110 miles of fiber and connects over 130 local and state agencies throughout the county.
The network provides high-capacity, reliable broadband while allowing private carriers to deliver “last-mile” service to underserved homes and businesses. Officials say the project has helped expand digital equity while strengthening the county’s ability to support economic development, education and public services.
“This CCPN project required vision and financial commitment from county partners and commissioners dating back to 2007, and I am proud to have participated in such a groundbreaking initiative,” said Denise Beaver, director of economic development.
“This high-speed fiber network provides long-range opportunities for economic development success. It has become a catalyst for growth-attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and positioning our community to compete in a global economy. Reliable high-speed connectively fuels workforce development, remote work, and business retention – making fiber one of the smartest investments a community can make.”
The early phases of the project were completed at a time when few local governments were investing in fiber infrastructure. County leaders intentionally installed additional fiber capacity that could later be leased to private internet providers. An enterprise fund was also created to manage maintenance costs and revenue generated by the network.
According to county officials, the system has helped save taxpayer dollars while strengthening connectivity for public institutions.
“In 2003 when I began the journey of upgrading the network infrastructure for our school system, I quickly found willing partners at the County Government, Community College, and Public Library to expand the vision to include not only a county-wide network for public entities but to overbuild and enable Carroll Broadband for use by local providers to deliver services for commercial and residential customers,” said Gary Davis, chief information officer for Carroll County Public Schools.
“The CCPN and Carroll Broadband are a true success story of teamwork, collaboration, resource sharing, and vision. The ROI was quickly realized as we continue to save significant amounts of taxpayer dollars and provide enhanced services to our citizens.”
Officials say the network also played an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting remote learning and digital services across the county.
“This infrastructure is the backbone of Carroll Community College’s 21st-century learning environment, delivering resilient, high-speed connectivity that reduces costs while expanding secure digital learning, collaboration, and support for students, faculty, and staff,” said Patti Davis, vice president of administrative services at Carroll Community College.
“By connecting the college with county and state agencies and community partners, the network strengthens public services, advances economic opportunity, and ensures students and community members have the digital access essential for their education, careers, and long-term success.”
Bob Kuntz, director of operations and innovation at Carroll County Public Library, said the shared infrastructure has improved service across partner organizations.
“By building on the existing partnerships between Carroll County Government, Carroll Community College, Carroll County Public Schools, and Carroll County Public Library, we created a shared network that has delivered greater efficiency, significant cost savings, and enhanced services for all partners,” Kuntz said. “This collaborative approach has strengthened the library’s public services, expanded educational and economic opportunities, and provided a digital infrastructure that will benefit the community for many years.”
Brian Holsonbake, chairman of Skyline Technology Solutions, said the project reflects the county’s long-term vision.
“What makes Carroll Broadband (CCPN) truly exceptional is the leadership and collaboration behind it,” Holsonbake said. “Carroll County had the vision to build infrastructure that will serve the community for generations, and it has been a privilege to be part of that effort. This network now stands as a model for how local governments can take ownership of their digital future and deliver real, measurable benefits to their citizens.”
