Why government is trying to boost Maine’s worst-in-the-nation Internet speeds

Maine lawmakers face about 35 bills dealing with broadband expansion, most of which would increase the amount of money spent to expand networks or otherwise add oomph to the ConnectME Authority, which gives out about $1 million per year in grants for broadband projects in places with only dial-up connections or no connection at all. The issue also is on the table for a range of cities and towns. Bangor, Bar Harbor and Ellsworth are among the municipalities looking at examples from Chattanooga (TN), and Maine municipalities such as Rockport and South Portland to figure out whether spending public money on broadband expansion would yield appreciable economic benefits.

Proponents say the upside isn’t just attracting businesses. It would allow seniors to age in place using “telemedicine,” meet expectations and needs of people considering moving to Maine, and give a leg up to people and companies already in the state. What’s Time Warner’s problem with municipal broadband? In one word: Competition. Time Warner is encouraging Maine officials not to invest public money where broadband networks -- such as its own -- already exist.