Salisbury-based business Bloosurf is expanding its high-speed internet service throughout the Eastern Shore with help from a $4.2 million award from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

With the funding, Bloosurf plans to add six new locations and serve hundreds of residents, businesses, and schools throughout Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Funding for the first year will be used for engineering, designing, construction, purchasing new equipment, and testing the service; the following years will focus on delivering service to communities throughout the region.

To assist the company with its expansion, the state has provided a loan guaranty through the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority (MSBDFA). The guaranty will support a line of credit provided by the Eastern Shore’s 1880 Bank under Bloosurf's agreement with the FCC.

“Thanks to MSBDFA, Bloosurf will be able to significantly expand rural high-speed internet service on the Eastern Shore serving over 100,000 households and businesses,” said Paul Carliner, president of Bloosurf. “As a Maryland company, we’re proud to partner with the state to address one of the most important needs in rural Maryland, expanding access to affordable, high-quality internet service for homes and businesses.”

“Improving broadband and wireless access for Marylanders throughout the state has been a top priority for Governor Hogan,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz.

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