$272M slated to connect Maine’s remaining unserved broadband locations
Photo / Courtesy Maine Connectivity Authority
As part of a Maine Connectivity Authority project, a Digital Navigator at the Aroostook Agency on Aging helps a client get connected in a new device, and learn digital safety and skills.
Since 2020, more than $250 million in state and federal funds have been invested through 100 projects to make over 86,000 broadband connections in underserved Maine communities.
This year, the Maine Connectivity Authority said it plans to begin distribution of $272 million to connect Maine’s remaining unserved 26,000 locations.
The authority is a public agency leading statewide expansion of broadband availability, access and digital skills. Its mission is to bring high-speed internet to every home and business in Maine, and to strengthen the capacity and resiliency of the communication network.
The Maine Connectivity Authority, a quasi-public independent agency, was established to address infrastructure and affordability and to leverage public-private partnerships to fill in high-spend internet coverage gaps across Maine.
Upcoming plans
Today, only 4% of locations in Maine are unserved by modern internet, according to the authority’s annual report.
- 3% of locations, about 18,000, have a slow and unreliable internet connection. The locations will be served through federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funding.
- 1% of locations, about 8,000, had no type of internet service or technology at all. As of the end of 2024, the locations have the option for a connection through Maine’s Working Internet ASAP Program, while still awaiting a long-term solution through BEAD.
The authority will begin construction on a state-owned middle mile network to enhance infrastructure resilience and affordability.
And a wireless and cellular initiative will assess gaps and guide investments to improve mobile service.
For the full report, click here.
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