PRESS RELEASE: Federal Government Approves Maine’s Plan for $48M Investment in Internet Infrastructure

Funding will bring high-speed internet connections to nearly 22,000 homes and businesses

AUGUSTA, Maine – After three years of planning, analysis and collaboration with the federal government, Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is proud to announce that Maine’s BEAD Final Proposal has been approved by the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA). This proposal includes awards totaling $48.4 million to expand Maine’s internet infrastructure to 21,818 homes and businesses across the state.

“It is a big moment to be able to provide nearly 22,000 homes and businesses access to high-speed internet,” said Andrew Butcher, president of Maine Connectivity Authority. “Our plan proved that Maine could stretch a dollar further than most. We celebrate our efficiencies, and want to be clear that investing in the infrastructure alone does not mean our work is complete,” Butcher added.

In 2023, Maine was allocated $272 million through the NTIA’s Broadband Equity Access & Deployment (BEAD) Program, which provides funding through states to serve homes, businesses and community anchor institutions with unreliable, slow, or no internet connection. This was the largest grant in state history to expand internet access. In June 2025, the NTIA restructured the BEAD Program requirements, including a “Benefit of the Bargain” application round. Applications resulted in high-speed internet service for 100% of the BEAD-eligible locations with requests for $48.4 million in federal funding, complemented by $109 million in private matching funds from applicants. This led to Maine having one of the lowest average costs per location nationwide.

Maine was among the first in the country to receive NTIA approval; the state’s proposal reflects a commitment to efficiency and impact. Maine-based and national companies will provide internet service through a variety of technologies to accomplish our connectivity goals outlined within the BEAD Program. This supports MCA’s ability to continue deploying fast and reliable internet, leveraging both public and private funding, and meeting the needs of communities.

“Having reliable, affordable high-speed internet is a necessity for rural states like Maine to engage in a modern, global economy, and for Maine people to work, go to school, access health care, and more. That’s why I created the Maine Connectivity Authority in 2021 to lead Maine’s efforts to make Internet access available in every corner of our state. Through the Maine Connectivity Authority, Maine has made significant strides in expanding access to the Internet, bringing more people, homes, and businesses online,” said Governor Janet Mills. “Now, with $48 million from the BEAD program, we will deliver high-speed broadband access to nearly 22,000 people and businesses. While this is welcome news, there is still more to be done, and I will continue to press for Maine’s full award under BEAD to further expand the availability of high-speed Internet access to every person in the state.”

“Access to high-speed Internet is critical to the economy of rural communities, which is why I have long championed expanding access to broadband across Maine,” said Senator Susan Collins. “From spurring job creation to supporting telemedicine and education, the Internet unlocks almost endless benefits and possibilities. I co-authored the broadband section of the law to help bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas, and I am pleased that this funding will help Maine make historic investments to extend its high-speed network to ensure that thousands of additional families have a reliable connection to their loved ones, co-workers, schools, and medical services.”

“High-speed internet is an essential part of 21st-century life — it’s how we access everything from work to school to healthcare,” said Senator Angus King. “Fast, reliable broadband expands economic and social opportunities and strengthens our economy and rural communities. As a co-author of the broadband section in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, I’m proud to see Maine become one of the first states to receive approval for its BEAD Final Proposal. For the nearly 22,000 Maine homes and businesses that will now have access to more affordable and reliable internet, this is an historic investment, and it means that families, co-workers, schools, and medical services will become more accessible for people across our state.”

“Thanks to the historic investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Maine is delivering real progress on our commitment to bring high-speed internet to every community. This approval means nearly 22,000 homes and businesses will finally have access to the reliable connectivity they need to participate fully in our digital economy,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01). "From rural towns to coastal communities, this investment will open doors to better educational opportunities, expanded telehealth services, and new economic possibilities. I'm proud that Maine has maximized this federal investment so efficiently, and I'll continue working to ensure the remaining funds are released so we can finish the job of closing Maine's digital divide once and for all."

"There are many reasons why people enjoy living in rural Maine. Uncertain access to the internet usually isn't one of them," said Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02). "Maine's BEAD proposal is the type of transformational upgrade that lawmakers envisioned when we wrote the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I'm so glad to see these resources finally on track to change people's lives for the better," Golden added.

MCA is currently awaiting confirmation on how the state can spend the remaining $200 million of its original BEAD allocation and is working in partnership with Maine’s federal delegation and NTIA to better understand potential eligible uses and timelines for decision-making.

Maine’s BEAD award builds on years of progress that have resulted in the deployment of $250 million of federal, state, and private funds to connect more than 86,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet across Maine. MCA is grateful for the ongoing support and partnership of Maine’s internet service providers, as well as a diverse network of local, regional and statewide partners who have contributed thousands of hours of collective effort to the BEAD Program. Learn more about Maine’s approved awards here: maineconnectivity.org/bead.


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About MCA: Focusing on projects, places and people, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) is the public agency leading statewide expansion of reliable internet and digital opportunity for all Maine people. MCA has three statutory 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 are able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.