Maine awarded nearly $50M to expand high-speed internet

This federal funding is less than the $272 million the Maine Connectivity Authority was originally allocated before guideline changes.

MAINE, USA — The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) was awarded $48.4 million in federal funding to secure high-speed internet for remaining locations with unreliable service in the state.

MCA president Andrew Butcher said this money will fund infrastructure to provide about 22,000 homes and businesses with modern internet access. This is on top of almost 135,000 locations MCA has already helped connect since 2021.

According to Butcher, every unserved area in the state will now have dedicated funding for internet upgrades. The award will be used to help people all over the state, including some of Maine’s most rural communities.

“It is hard to underscore the impact that having high-speed internet can have,” Butcher said. “Whether it's in a work meeting or whether it's in meeting with a doctor, participating in digital commerce.”

This recent federal funding is only a portion of what Maine was originally allocated, though.

In 2023, through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) allocated Maine $272 million. That was going to be used to fund high-speed internet infrastructure and support digital literacy and workforce programs.

But in June 2025, as MCA was getting ready to distribute the money, the NTIA restructured BEAD Program requirements, only funding infrastructure plans. According to MCA, that left the agency with over $200 million undelivered.

Butcher said he hopes those funds will still be issued to continue meeting the state’s internet needs.

“Technology is rapidly evolving; our demand for use of connectivity is rapidly evolving,” Butcher said. “Making sure that people are able to participate, are able to afford, and that we have reliable networks to ensure a continuous connectivity is really critical.”

According to MCA, NTIA has indicated it will provide guidance in March on whether it will deliver, alter the use of, or cut the remaining $200 million dollars.

The administration is also hosting a virtual listening session “on the use of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds saved thanks to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick's Benefit of the Bargain reforms,” according to NTIA’s website. “This session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA's future planning and policy development regarding the use of these 'nondeployment' funds.”

That session is happening on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 2-4 p.m.