Old tech serving a new purpose for Mainers struggling to get connected

A new initiative from the Maine Connectivity Authority and give IT. get IT. is aiming to close the digital divide by repurposing old technology for Mainers in need.

WATERVILLE, Maine — For many of us, upgrading to a new phone or laptop is just part of life. But what if those devices could be reused instead of ending up in a landfill?

That’s the idea behind a new initiative from the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) called Maine Tech Share Program, which aims to refurbish and redistribute 25,000 laptops and other electronics to Mainers in need.

“This unit might be three years old,” Chris Martin, co-founder of give IT. get IT., said. “We’ll only reuse it if we know we can get another four [years] out of it.”

The Maine-based nonprofit give IT. get IT. is partnering with the state agency to make the program possible, collecting donated tech from businesses, wiping the data, making repairs, and distributing devices across the state.

“We see a need in the community that we can easily fill through reusing this technology that still has a lot of life,” Nicki Drummond-Bahl, MCA director of partnerships, said.

The program’s goal is simple: Get Mainers who face financial or logistical barriers to internet access a reliable, working device.

“Really, ensure that we get no-cost or low-cost devices into the hands of folks who need them,” Drummond-Bahl added.

Martin says the thousands of older electronics they're helping the MCA collect and refurbish come directly from businesses throughout the state.

"We like working with businesses and agencies because this stuff is designed to be rebuilt and has a really long lifespan,” he explained.

One of those business partners is Bangor Savings Bank, which has hundreds of older machines ready to donate every year.

"We’re rapidly upgrading equipment that still has a lot of life left,” Justin Fournier, the bank’s IT director, explained. “We do about 400 laptops and 100 desktops a year.”

Fournier added that it's not only a way for the company to reduce the amount of waste they send to a landfill, but it also helps Mainers get online easier.

"They make things really convenient for us, and it's just great knowing that these things get repurposed and reused in our local community," Fournier said.

Once collected, devices are wiped clean, repaired if necessary, and redistributed by local partners like Grow Smart Maine to residents who need it most.

"It's usually people who live in rural areas, veterans, people with low-incomes, people who are disabled, or older adults," Hildie Lipson, Kennebec County broadband director, said.

It's an initiative Lipson says unlocks an online world of invaluable resources and opportunities.

“If they’re working that hard to complete their goals, then we should help provide them with a device that helps them meet those goals,” Lipson added.

The refurbished devices come with more than just hardware, though; give IT. get IT. will also provide low or no-cost tech support for those unfamiliar with navigating the digital world.

“This is just a tool. But watching what people can do with it when they access it and don’t have to worry about breaking the bank is the biggest wow,” Martin said.

Officials hope to distribute all 25,000 devices in the coming years, helping close the digital divide one computer at a time.