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Click here to learn how you can help inform the locations in Maine that are eligible for BEAD funding!

Maine's BEAD State Led Challenge Process Is Now Open!

High-speed Broadband for Maine

The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is committed to expanding access to reliable, high-speed and affordable internet service statewide.

MCA has three primary goals:

Expand effective, accessible connectivity in every part of the state;
Support the creation of secure, affordable, reliable, competitive, sustainable and forward-looking internet infrastructure that can meet future needs; and
Ensure that all residents, businesses and institutions in Maine be able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.

Focusing on projects, places and people, the MCA is advancing digital equity for all Mainers.

Established in 2021, MCA is a quasi-governmental agency charged with achieving universal access to affordable high-speed broadband in Maine.

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Maine's BEAD State-Led Challenge Process Now Open!

Maine's BEAD State-Led Challenge Process (SLCP) is open NOW through May 21. The SLCP is MCA’s opportunity to create an accurate map of locations where BEAD funding can be deployed in Maine and represents the next step in unlocking Maine's $272 million BEAD allocation. Eligible challengers for the SLCP include local or Tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and internet service providers. These organizations may challenge whether a location has service of at least 100/20 Mbps service, or is a Community Anchor Institution.

MCA published an initial list of all served, unserved, underserved, and Community Anchor Institutions (CAIs) in Maine in BEAD Initial Proposal, Volume 1. This list has since been refined, and the final list of locations being using to conduct the State Led Challenge Process are available by clicking below.

Download the list of SLCP Locations

The Challenge Portal is now open through May 21. If you do not yet have an account with VETRO FiberMap, the first step will be requesting one through their password reset form. We also recommend reviewing the Resource Exchange, including a guide on how to submit a challenge, prior to entering the portal.

Enter the Challenge Portal

For
Permissible
Challengers

The Maine Speed Test is open through May 21, and is the mechanism for individuals to participate in the State-Led Challenge Process. MCA will aggregate individual speed challenges that will be incorporated into the State-Led Challenge Process. Read the Maine Speed Test Guide to be sure all BEAD
requirements will be met!

Take the Maine Speed Test

For
Individuals
& Others

For more information about how the process works, its timeline, how to get engaged, and more, head to the Maine Connectivity Resource Exchange.

Enter the Resource Exchange

** Please Note: MCA has requested an amendment to our Initial Proposal, Vol. 1 to change the deadline for Planned Service Challenges from June 30, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The goal of this amendment is to accurately account for all broadband infrastructure that will be completed with private investment before the end of this calendar year, and ahead of the BEAD funding deployment.

Visualizing MCA's Mission

The Maine Connectivity Authority’s Broadband Intelligence Platform presents important data about internet access and service in Maine. The interactive map below includes information about broadband service availability and funding awards.

For a list of service providers at a specific address, click here to access the FCC's map.

Use this tool on a mobile device

Service Classification Map: Based on June 30, 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection. Accessible maps are available upon request by emailing info@maineconnectivity.org.

Recent & Upcoming Meetings

The Maine Connectivity Authority Board of Directors meetings are open to the public in a virtual format. Meetings serve as an opportunity to learn about MCA's strategy and activities as well as funding and partnership opportunities. Click here to view recordings of previous meetings.

May 17, 2024

MCA Board Meeting