Broadband Action Plan (BAP)
Introduction
The lack of fast, reliable, and affordable broadband is a major problem in rural, suburban, and even urban America. Issues of digital inclusion and accessibility have exacerbated the digital divide, leaving millions of Americans unable to use technology to improve their lives.
Faced with the opportunity for unprecedented funding, Maine Connectivity Authority, in coordination with stakeholders around the state, is facilitating the development of a Broadband Action Plan (BAP) that is rooted in digital equity. This plan will identify priorities for investment in broadband and digital equity, and will serve as the state’s five-year road map to bring the economic, health, educational, and social benefits of high-speed internet to all Mainers.
Through the BAP process, we strive to understand the challenges and opportunities facing stakeholders from every corner of the state so we can develop effective solutions.
Key Dates
-
February 1 - May 1, 2023
Stakeholder Engagement
-
June 1 - June 30, 2023
Draft Plan Presented for Reflection & Revision
-
August 1, 2023
BAP Submitted to Federal Government
MCA Contacts
Tanya Emery
Economic Development Director
temery@maineconnectivity.org (207) 200-4770
Maggie Drummond-Bahl
Strategic Partnership Director
mbahl@maineconnectivity.org (207) 838-8658
Broadband Action Plan Contact Information
(207) 200-4398
Broadband Action Plan Reflect & Revise Feedback Form
Please use the feedback form to provide feedback on the draft versions of the Broadband Action Plan and Digital Equity Plan. If you have feedback to provide on an area of the draft plans that do not have a section specified, please do so in the last "General Feedback" question of this form or by emailing bap@maineconnectivity.org.
If you provide feedback via email, please indicate whether you are commenting on the BAP or Digital Equity Plan. An email address is required because the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program requires that an MCA team member follow up with all who contribute comments. We will not store or otherwise use your email address or personal information.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Timeline
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) expects BEAD implementation to take roughly 4 years. Maine's Digital Equity and BEAD plans are currently being developed and will be presented for public comment in the coming months. Click the image to the right to zoom in on the timeline.
Digital Equity in the Planning Process
Digital equity is the condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity for full participation in our society and economy. Maine has opted to combine our digital equity and infrastructure planning, so digital equity will be woven throughout the plan and will also result in a separate stand alone digital equity plan for the state for the first time. The digital equity components of the BAP will be guided by the Digital Equity Taskforce and supported by the Regional and Tribal Broadband Partners.
Additional Engagement Opportunities
As part of this integrated planning process, MCA will be conducting extensive engagement, including focus groups, community meetings, open office hours, and more. We will crisscross the state to hear and learn how access to broadband will improve the quality of life for all Mainers, and how best to deliver the right infrastructure and services. If you would like to take part in any of these activities, please register using a link in the calendar below, or email us at bap@maineconnectivity.org.
Following our extensive engagement period, MCA will be taking the month of June to reflect on all that we have heard from individuals, communities and partners and revise the draft Broadband Action Plan before submitting it to the Federal Government on August 1st.
The first draft of the BAP and the companion Digital Equity Plan is now available for your review. As a reminder, this is a draft plan, and the content may contain minor spelling or grammatical errors and new content may be added. Please Note: The BAP comprehensively includes most aspects of the Digital Equity Plan, so you may choose to also provide individual feedback on the latter, though it is not required.
Share Your Feedback on Maine's Broadband Action Plan!
Feedback will be collected using the form below (also available in print format), in addition to virtual and in-person listening sessions throughout June.
Public listening sessions:
-
June 8: in-person in Augusta postponed
-
June 15: virtual (register here)
-
June 26: virtual (register here)
-
June 30: in-person in Machias (register here)
