Letter: Time to do something about broadband in Maine
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Tired of complaining about your internet? It’s time to do something about it! The Maine Broadband Coalition, in partnership with AARP Maine and others, has launched the “Get Up to Speed” initiative to aid broadband expansion efforts in Maine.
Did you know that Maine is ranked as the 43rd state in the U.S for broadband access? Thousands of Mainers currently do not have access to high-speed internet and, as a result, are left with little or no connection to family and friends. Just one reason why AARP Maine cares so much about this issue is because in Maine, over 135,000 people 50-plus live alone and are already at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation. The pandemic has only magnified the need to expand high-speed internet access statewide.
Broadband project needs speed testers
ELLSWORTH In July 2020, Maine voters approved a $15 million bond initiative that, with matching funds, amounts to $45 million available for broadband efforts throughout the state. Maine residents can help to determine where those resources should be used by taking a speed test at their homes and businesses.
These speed tests will help the ConnectMaine Authority and the Maine Broadband Coalition (MBC) better assess areas for broadband access. This initiative seeks to support the fact that Federal Communications Commission mapping data for broadband is seriously overstated, with many rural areas of Maine unserved for broadband. Some areas have no terrestrial (wired) internet at all.
Letter: Time to do something about internet broadband
Share
Tired of complaining about your internet? It’s time to do something about it! The Maine Broadband Coalition, in partnership with AARP Maine and others, has launched the “Get Up to Speed” initiative to aid broadband expansion efforts in Maine.
Did you know that Maine is ranked as the 43rd state in the U.S for broadband access? Thousands of Mainers currently do not have access to high-speed internet and, as a result, are left with little or no connection to family and friends. Just one reason why AARP Maine cares so much about this issue is because in Maine, over 135,000 people 50-plus live alone and are already at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation. The pandemic has only magnified the need to expand high-speed internet access statewide.