Maine's 5-Year Broadband Action Plan and Digital Equity Plans Have Been Submitted!​
​MCA submitted the state's 5-Year Broadband Action Plan to the NTIA on Friday, August 11th and the state's first Digital Equity Plan on September 1st. Click on the links below to read the plans and learn more!
Broadband Action Plan (BAP)
Introduction
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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
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February 1 - May 1, 2023
Stakeholder Engagement
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June 1 - June 30, 2023
Draft Plan Presented for Reflection & Revision​
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August 11, 2023
BAP Submitted to Federal Government​
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September 1, 2023
Digital Equity Plan Submitted to Federal Government
MCA Contacts
Tanya Emery
Economic Development Director
temery@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 200-4770
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Maggie Drummond-Bahl
Strategic Partnership Director
mbahl@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 838-8658
Thank you for sharing your feedback on Maine's Broadband Action and Digital Equity Plans!
Following our Reflect and Revise period in the month of June, MCA processed hundreds of pieces of feedback that were received and updated the draft plan. On August 11th, MCA submitted the state's 5-Year Broadband Action Plan to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA). On September 1st, MCA submitted the state's first Digital Equity Plan to NTIA.
Updated versions of the plans, including additional charts, graphics, and quotes, will be released later this fall.
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We are greatly appreciative of all the insightful comments and helpful feedback that was provided by the people of Maine as we finalize these plans!
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Timeline
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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
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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.
Click the image to enlarge
Public Engagement in Fall 2023
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As we design and develop the BEAD Initial Proposal, Volumes 1 and 2, we will have several engagement events this Fall, with some being open to the public and others being targeted conversations or focus groups similar to the public engagement periods earlier this year. Check back for more information, and to access resources from past events.
What Does BEAD and Digital Equity Mean For Me?
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
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This event is for anyone who is interested to understand where we are in the BEAD & Digital Equity timelines, has questions about what upcoming BEAD and Digital Equity funding will mean to their community, organization, or broadband project, or would like to know more about how these funding streams will work in conjunction with other MCA programs.
