PRESS RELEASE: Statewide Tour to Drive Digital Opportunity for Everyone in Maine

As high-speed internet access becomes a reality, focus shifts to the meaningful opportunities it unlocks in Mainers’ lives

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA),the public agency expanding connectivity and digital opportunity, is embarking on the second annual statewide tour featuring people, places, and projects that contribute to a strong digital economy in Maine. MCA president, Andrew Butcher, will document connections made across the state live from “Buttercup”, his 1984 Volkswagen van. The “Driving Connections” tour will begin on Tuesday, July 7 and end on Friday, July 24.


This tour will work to inform Connectivity 2030: a clear, actionable statewide strategy to guide how the internet translates into lasting opportunity for everyone in Maine. Since MCA’s founding in 2021, high-speed, reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in Maine has increased by 2.6 times, meaning that approximately 120,000 Maine businesses and homes now have a reliable connection. Access was the breakthrough, and across Maine many people still face barriers to meaningful participation online.



“In the last four years hundreds of communities, businesses, non-profits and institutions have made unprecedented progress in bridging the digital divide,” said Andrew Butcher, MCA President. “But the work isn’t done. The road to an updated vision for connectivity depends on a diverse array of input from all people all around the state,” Butcher added.


Barriers to connectivity include affordability of internet service and devices, limited digital skills, lack of technical support, and concerns about online safety. This impacts individuals’ ability to access opportunities provided by the internet including telehealth, continued education, remote work opportunities, workforce training, and civic participation. Last year, federal funding for digital equity programs was terminated, leaving Maine without a sustainable way to address these barriers.


“MCA is turning to the group of people that have always been looking out for Mainers–each other,” said Laura van der Lugt, MCA Chief Engagement Officer. “MCA is asking nonprofit partners, state agencies, private entities, and the Maine public to inform our strategy so that everyone can benefit from the investments made in broadband infrastructure.”



Beyond Driving Connections, MCA is gathering statewide input through a public survey, engagement events, partner coordination, and data analysis to shape policy and funding strategies. The survey will remain open through July, and already has over 350 responses.



For the full schedule of Driving Connections stops, head to www.maineconnectivity.org/drivingconnections.



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About MCA: About MCA: Focusing on projects, places and people, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) advances digital opportunity and works to improve connectivity for all Maine people. Established in 2021, MCA is Maine’s public agency charged with achieving universal access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service statewide. 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.