Big-campaign tactics come to local Maine elections on broadband expansion

Southport (ME) voters have estimates on how much it will cost to build their own broadband network or connect underserved residents. They do not know exactly how much has been spent to rally opposition against it. It is an example of how big-campaign tactics are coming to smaller communities that are looking to develop their own broadband systems. The archipelago town of just 600 people off Boothbay Harbor (ME) has seen mailers and digital ads linked to the incumbent internet provider and allies. Spending on the issue does not have to be disclosed because of a campaign finance loophole. It is likely to be a continuing trend as more communities consider whether to build their own broadband networks with plentiful money from state and federal programs. Providers, led here by Spectrum, are looking to cut off the local competition. A $2 million project to create a town-owned fiber network is at stake as voters decide to either allow the town to continue pursuing the project authorized in 2021 or halt it after a group of voters who have questioned the project rallied a petition. They could approve a second option to pay a provider to connect underserved residents to high-speed internet.