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Maine Connectivity Authority Releases Draft 5-Year Broadband Action Plan for Feedback

Jun 9, 2023

Maine Connectivity Authority Releases Draft 5-Year Broadband Action Plan for Feedback

New Broadband Action Plan will guide the investment of $200+ million in federal funding for digital equity and infrastructure

From the Island Institute: There’s “Wicked Fast Broadband on the Peninsula,” so now what?

May 17, 2023

From the Island Institute: There’s “Wicked Fast Broadband on the Peninsula,” so now what?

A regional victory and vision for highspeed internet access for all

Media Advisory: Maine Connectivity Authority Celebrates Broadband Expansion in Franklin County

May 17, 2023

Media Advisory: Maine Connectivity Authority Celebrates Broadband Expansion in Franklin County

The Maine Connectivity Authority is joining community leaders in Franklin County to celebrate the completion of a nine-town broadband expansion project and a new grant award to Wilton to further expand broadband.

Reach Me Grant will Help Expand Fiber to Unserved Areas in Six Towns

May 10, 2023

Reach Me Grant will Help Expand Fiber to Unserved Areas in Six Towns

The Maine Connectivity Authority launches Reach Me Line Extensions.

Consolidated Communications expanding fiber-optic network to 18,000 in Brunswick area

May 8, 2023

Consolidated Communications expanding fiber-optic network to 18,000 in Brunswick area

The company said it's spending $14 million to expand its high-speed internet service in Brunswick, Topsham, Harpswell, Freeport, Durham and Bowdoinham.

Media Advisory: Celebrate a Major Broadband Expansion Project with Pizza on the Peninsula!

May 8, 2023

Media Advisory: Celebrate a Major Broadband Expansion Project with Pizza on the Peninsula!

Maine Connectivity Authority launches new program to support broadband utility districts

May 6, 2023

Maine Connectivity Authority launches new program to support broadband utility districts

The Maine Connectivity Authority is launching a new program to provide targeted support to Broadband Utility Districts in Maine.

Maine’s First Ever Digital Equity Workshop Brought Together over 150 Stakeholders Throughout the State

May 4, 2023

Maine’s First Ever Digital Equity Workshop Brought Together over 150 Stakeholders Throughout the State

Digital Equity and Accessibility was the topic of the state’s first ever Digital Equity Workshop.

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Launches New Program to Support Broadband Utility Districts

May 2, 2023

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Launches New Program to Support Broadband Utility Districts

Broadband Utility Districts (BUDs) provide an ownership model that plays a critical role in helping enable regional scale impact for improved connectivity and digital equity in Maine.

There’s no one way to bring broadband to all of Maine

May 1, 2023

There’s no one way to bring broadband to all of Maine

MCA's President, Andrew Butcher's op-ed about how to offer balanced solutions to the goal of connecting all Mainers to reliable, high-speed internet by 2024.

Letter: Excited about future of broadband connectivity in Caribou

Apr 29, 2023

Letter: Excited about future of broadband connectivity in Caribou

Reach Me Line Extension awards in Caribou

TDS awarded more grant funding for Maine rural fiber broadband upgrades

Apr 26, 2023

TDS awarded more grant funding for Maine rural fiber broadband upgrades

The Maine Connectivity Authority awarded the new funding through its Reach Me program.

New grant funding expands reliable internet across Maine

Apr 24, 2023

New grant funding expands reliable internet across Maine

MCA announces Reach Me Line Extension program awards.

Press Release: New Grant Funding Expands Reliable Internet in 73 Maine Communities

Apr 24, 2023

Press Release: New Grant Funding Expands Reliable Internet in 73 Maine Communities

$20 Million ‘Reach Me’ Grants to be Matched by $13 Million in Private Investment

The U.S.’s $42.5 Billion High-Speed Internet Plan Hits a Snag: A Worker Shortage

Apr 23, 2023

The U.S.’s $42.5 Billion High-Speed Internet Plan Hits a Snag: A Worker Shortage

“There are limited dollars, so we have to make choices,” says Andrew Butcher, president of the Maine Connectivity Authority. “If labor access is prohibitive or even if just geographic conditions are prohibitive, we absolutely are going to need to evaluate how to deploy alternative solutions.”

The Mapping Dilemma: How Can States Ensure They Get The Best ‘Bang For Their Buck’?

Apr 20, 2023

The Mapping Dilemma: How Can States Ensure They Get The Best ‘Bang For Their Buck’?

MCA continues to grapple with mapping misalignments from the FCC and it relates to BEAD funding.

Maine Connectivity Authority Launches Statewide Initiative To Help Lower-Income Households Afford Reliable Internet

Apr 20, 2023

Maine Connectivity Authority Launches Statewide Initiative To Help Lower-Income Households Afford Reliable Internet

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Launches Statewide Initiative To Help Lower-Income Households Afford Reliable Internet

Apr 20, 2023

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Launches Statewide Initiative To Help Lower-Income Households Afford Reliable Internet

A Coalition of Local Leaders and Community Partners Will Increase Awareness of Federal Program That Provides up to $30 per Month Toward High-Speed Home Internet.

Maine’s rural landscape a catalyst for broadband deployment

Apr 12, 2023

Maine’s rural landscape a catalyst for broadband deployment

MCA's President, Andrew Butcher, names two key hurdles to broadband access in Maine: the sheer rurality of the state and, on a related note, community capacity to drive demand.

Maine Residents in Farmington and Blue Hill Peninsula Regions Can Now Get Multi-Gig Internet from Fidium Fiber

Apr 12, 2023

Maine Residents in Farmington and Blue Hill Peninsula Regions Can Now Get Multi-Gig Internet from Fidium Fiber

MCA-funded projects in the Blue Hill Peninsula area come to completion with residents accessing Fidium Fiber in the coming weeks. This will culminate in the MCA event: https://www.maineconnectivity.org/shine-share-event-rsvp-blue-hill

Digital Equity Planning Process Should Include Local Communities, Says NTIA Official

Apr 6, 2023

Digital Equity Planning Process Should Include Local Communities, Says NTIA Official

Maine has opted to combine our digital equity and infrastructure planning, so digital equity will be woven throughout the plan being developed by MCA and will also result in a separate stand alone digital equity plan for the state for the first time. The digital equity components of the Broadband Action Plan will be guided by the Digital Equity Taskforce and supported by the Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners.

Maine libraries become rural lifelines in telehealth transition

Apr 2, 2023

Maine libraries become rural lifelines in telehealth transition

Access to high-speed internet is not simply a modern luxury, but a way for people to access the resources they need. The Maine State Library's pilot telehealth program is one such example of how technology can support health equity. The Maine State Library system also partners with the MCA as part of our Digital Equity Task Force.

Regional Utility Districts Can Help Fill Gaps in Broadband Service

Mar 29, 2023

Regional Utility Districts Can Help Fill Gaps in Broadband Service

MCA continues to explore how we can support BUDs as a tool to getting high-speed internet to all Mainers. For more information, check out our webpage: https://www.maineconnectivity.org/buds

Spectrum invests $82M in Maine to expand broadband internet

Mar 23, 2023

Spectrum invests $82M in Maine to expand broadband internet

MCA attended a press conference in Augusta where Charter Communications announced its investment of over $80 million into broadband across Maine. By supporting public-private partnerships that leverage local resources with private investment, we can continue to enable a thriving and competitive broadband market in Maine that can address our goals of universal, affordable connectivity for everyone as soon as possible.

Maine Leaders Discuss Whether Public Broadband Investments Should Support National Private Providers

Mar 20, 2023

Maine Leaders Discuss Whether Public Broadband Investments Should Support National Private Providers

MCA continues to balance its mission to connect as many households as possible with high-speed internet as possible, with the desire of some communities to develop and fund their own infrastructure projects.

How Will States Determine Unserved Areas for BEAD? Two States Told Us Their Plans

Mar 20, 2023

How Will States Determine Unserved Areas for BEAD? Two States Told Us Their Plans

MCA"s President, Andrew Butcher, explains mapping challenges related to BEAD funding.

Maine seeks input on how to spend $250M in federal broadband funds

Mar 15, 2023

Maine seeks input on how to spend $250M in federal broadband funds

MCA launches the Maine Broadband Survey to collect feedback which will inform the statewide Broadband Action Plan.

Regional coalitions seek public input on access to high-speed internet

Mar 15, 2023

Regional coalitions seek public input on access to high-speed internet

Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners, funded by MCA, work to ensure all voices are heard to inform the Broadband Action Plan by organizing in-person community listening sessions and focus groups.

$17M grants to expand internet in Skowhegan, Canaan and 13 other locations

Mar 1, 2023

$17M grants to expand internet in Skowhegan, Canaan and 13 other locations

MCA Awards $8.8 million to Skowhegan and portions of Madison, Cornville, and Canaan through the Connect the Ready program.

Maine Connectivity Authority Board Response to Charter Communications Request

Feb 24, 2023

Maine Connectivity Authority Board Response to Charter Communications Request

At a recent MCA Board meeting, the Board of Directors discussed a recently drafted letter to Charter Communcations. The content is included below.

Award of $8.8M means Skowhegan, surrounding towns to see high-speed internet service by next year

Feb 16, 2023

Award of $8.8M means Skowhegan, surrounding towns to see high-speed internet service by next year

The Maine Connectivity Authority has awarded the money to the towns through a partnership with Consolidated Communications.

Over $10 million invested in broadband connectivity for several towns

Feb 16, 2023

Over $10 million invested in broadband connectivity for several towns

Maine Connectivity Authority and community members are celebrating more than 10-million dollars of investment for broadband expansion in Skowhegan, Madison, Cornville, and other communities.

Labor shortage could slow Maine’s broadband expansion

Feb 15, 2023

Labor shortage could slow Maine’s broadband expansion

A new report says Maine could soon face a shortage of as many as 4,400 workers in the industry, depending on how fast and extensively broadband access is expanded.

Capitalizing on the Moment: States Collaborate with Education Leaders on Digital Equity Plans

Feb 14, 2023

Capitalizing on the Moment: States Collaborate with Education Leaders on Digital Equity Plans

Study finds Maine needs at least 3,200 new workers to sustain existing broadband investments

Feb 14, 2023

Study finds Maine needs at least 3,200 new workers to sustain existing broadband investments

There's a new hurdle in the effort to expand broadband in Maine: a workforce shortage. A recent study suggests some 3,240 additional workers are needed for existing broadband investments across the state.

Direct Communications, Brooks, Waldo awarded $3 million broadband grant

Feb 9, 2023

Direct Communications, Brooks, Waldo awarded $3 million broadband grant

Direct Communications will install Fiber to the Premises, or direct fiber-optic connections, to 837 homes and businesses in these unserved areas.

Grants awarded to provide broadband in 31 communities

Jan 28, 2023

Grants awarded to provide broadband in 31 communities

Communities include Bancroft, Brookton, Danforth, Drew Plantation, Glenwood Plantation, Haynesville, Orient, Reed Plantation, and Weston.

Grants will bring high-speed internet to 16,000 homes and businesses in rural Maine

Jan 25, 2023

Grants will bring high-speed internet to 16,000 homes and businesses in rural Maine

Brookton and 10 surrounding communities will get high-speed broadband through an $8.1 million grant announced by the Maine Connectivity Authority this week.

$34M to boost broadband in 31 Maine communities

Jan 23, 2023

$34M to boost broadband in 31 Maine communities

The Maine Connectivity Authority announced more than $34 million in grant funding to expand broadband access in 31 communities across the state.

Press Release: $34 Million Awarded to Expand Broadband Through Connect the Ready Program

Jan 20, 2023

Press Release: $34 Million Awarded to Expand Broadband Through Connect the Ready Program

Maine Connectivity Authority Grants Support Expansion of Reliable,
High-Speed Internet in 31 Communities

Local projects part of $34M awarded to expand broadband through Connect the Ready program

Jan 20, 2023

Local projects part of $34M awarded to expand broadband through Connect the Ready program

The Maine Connectivity Authority announced more than $34 million in grant funding to expand access to high-speed, reliable and affordable internet across Maine.

Commentary: To secure the right federal funds for broadband, Maine needs the right mapping

Dec 21, 2022

Commentary: To secure the right federal funds for broadband, Maine needs the right mapping

Recently released federal broadband maps still miss some spots. The Maine Connectivity Authority's new tool allows members of the public to check if their home, camp or business is accurately recorded.

Maine Connectivity Authority announces $1 million for its Jumpstart Connectivity Initiative

Dec 20, 2022

Maine Connectivity Authority announces $1 million for its Jumpstart Connectivity Initiative

On Monday, Maine Connectivity Authority announced three awards totaling more than $1 million in funding for its Jumpstart Connectivity Initiative.

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Announces $1M to help Jumpstart Connectivity in Hardest-to-Reach Communities

Dec 19, 2022

Press Release: Maine Connectivity Authority Announces $1M to help Jumpstart Connectivity in Hardest-to-Reach Communities

On Monday, the MCA announced three awards totaling more than $1 million in funding through the Jumpstart Connectivity Initiative

With access to reliable high-speed internet at stake, Mainers have a chance to ‘Correct the Dots’

Dec 16, 2022

With access to reliable high-speed internet at stake, Mainers have a chance to ‘Correct the Dots’

The Maine Connectivity Authority has launched a critical public education campaign called Correct the Dots, a call to action for individuals to check their addresses on new federal internet maps and to file a challenge if the information is incorrect.

Maine's broadband agency wants your help checking new federal access maps

Dec 13, 2022

Maine's broadband agency wants your help checking new federal access maps

Maine's broadband agency is asking residents to check the accuracy of federal coverage maps.

Press Release: With Access to Reliable High-Speed Internet At Stake, Mainers Have a Chance to Correct the Dots

Dec 13, 2022

Press Release: With Access to Reliable High-Speed Internet At Stake, Mainers Have a Chance to Correct the Dots

The Maine Connectivity Authority has launched a critical public education campaign called Correct the Dots

With federal broadband funds coming, the Maine Connectivity Authority looks to fill in coverage gaps

Dec 13, 2022

With federal broadband funds coming, the Maine Connectivity Authority looks to fill in coverage gaps

The Maine Connectivity Authority has launched a critical public education campaign called the Correct the Dots challenge that will help the Federal Communications Commission in gathering the most accurate information about broadband accessibility and quality across the state.

Message to Mainers: Internet for All

Dec 8, 2022

Message to Mainers: Internet for All

Although it was a cloudy day in Waterville, an announcement made in one building promised to light the way to the future.

Maine to receive $5.5 million in federal money to expand internet access statewide

Dec 8, 2022

Maine to receive $5.5 million in federal money to expand internet access statewide

Maine becomes the first state to receive the funding as part of a federal push for broadband improvements meant to give every American access to high-speed internet service.

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