Federal regulators approve Maine’s plan to expand internet access, could get up to $14 million

Maine was the first state to win federal approval for a plan to expand internet access, leading to millions of dollars in funding.

State digital equity plan It outlines steps the state will take to expand access to fast, reliable internet and remove barriers to connectivity. This was accepted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on Thursday.

Main plan approval Brian Allenby, director of program operations and communications, said the state will be eligible for $12 million to $14 million in federal funding that will go towards computers and other equipment, refurbishing equipment and teaching people new to the Internet. He said that this is the first step towards achieving this goal. At the Maine Connection Bureau.

The funding will be available later this year, and Maine must meet the goal within five years, said Maggie Drummond-Barr, director of strategic partnerships for the Maine Connectivity Authority.

The Maine Connectivity Authority is establishing the Maine Digital Equity Fund, which will raise $15 million in philanthropic and private support from partners across the state.

Additionally, more federal funding is expected. Officials say about 35,500 “broadband-enabled locations” (defined as homes and businesses with commercially available internet) in Maine do not have internet service, and about 40,000 locations have slow service. It is said that reliability is low. They are eligible to receive about $272 million from the federal government’s Broadband Assets, Access and Deployment Program, which is expected to begin distributing funds next year.

There are approximately 630,000 locations in Maine with broadband availability.

Through the planning process, the Maine Connectivity Authority identified several areas to close the “digital divide.” It’s about the difference between people who have the digital skills, understand how to protect their online security and have full access to the internet, and those who can’t afford internet service or don’t have the skills to fully use digital technology. It’s the gap between.

Maine’s Digital Equity Plan includes strategies to reduce barriers to connectivity for Maine’s most underserved populations, including older adults, veterans, low-income households, rural residents, people with disabilities, and minority communities. contained.

Strategies include finding grants for local and regional infrastructure projects. Expanding access to free or low-cost connectivity in affordable housing units. Obtain at least 25,000 donated devices for refurbishment from businesses, institutions, and agencies across the state. We will provide access to affordable desktops, laptops, and tablets and technical support by distributing 50,000 new and refurbished devices to Maine residents in need. and provide internet training.

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