Program to improve access to high speed internet launched in Biddeford

The pilot program is a result of a partnership between SMPDC, McArthur Library, and Biddeford Adult Education.

Southern Maine Planning and Development, along with McArthur Library and Biddeford Adult Education, has launched a Digital Device Distribution pilot program focused on Biddeford, which will provide access to high speed internet service for participating Biddeford residents.

The program is funded by a grant from the Maine Connectivity Authority, according to a SMPD statement. Through the project portable wireless internet hotspots with bundled internet subscriptions are distributed to adult education students and library patrons during the summer and fall of this year. The goal of the program, the first of its kind in this area, is to to advance the region-wide Digital Inclusion Plan drafted by the York County Digital Inclusion Coalition in 2023 by providing students and families with reliable access to the internet.

There are a number of individuals and families in the area who don’t have reliable internet service at their home, said James Rather, SMPDC’s director of Strategic Initiatives who is overseeing the regional broadband program.

“We’ve heard many stories about folks having to park their vehicles at a local McDonalds or town hall parking lot in order to use free wi-fi service because of a lack of reliable home internet service, or an inability to afford an internet subscription,” Rather said. “This program will help participants complete their educational studies and gain the skills needed to bolster Maine’s economy, and with future infusions of state and federal dollars, will provide a model that can be scaled up to serve many more households.”

Reliable internet access is vital in “today’s digital society,” said Joe Sanderson, McArthur Public Library technology coordinator.

“Even the most basic of needs requires access to the internet: finding work and housing, accessing healthcare, obtaining education and training, keeping your family safe, and just knowing what’s happening in your community,” he said. “For those who are new to our country, online access is even more important as the needs are so great. Access to library services and the internet through provided Wi-Fi hotspots will enable these students and their families to more fully participate in society.”

Internet access is especially important for education, Biddeford Adult Education Director Dave Durkee said.

“This important partnership is helping ensure that our students are connected to not only online academic and vocational learning environments but also resources for post secondary and career aspirations,” Durkee said. “These free hotspot devices are a powerful tool for success.”

According to Durkee, access to the internet provided by the Wi-Fi hotspots will be used by both the multi-language learners at Biddeford Adult Education, and their families, reaching approximately 50 people. A single, secure hotspot device provides internet access to all those within range – that range is large enough to provide service for a family living in a home or apartment. In addition to being able to check out a Wi-Fi hotspot from the library, participants in the program received library cards to access the many benefits that the library provides to community members.

Both the Digital Inclusion Plan and the device distribution program are part of a Digital Equity and Inclusion initiative started in 2023 by SMPDC to eliminate the barriers to providing robust internet access and digital literacy training to the entire population. To read the plan, visit: https://smpdc.org/broadband