Broadband Affordability is First and Foremost in Maine

With Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) will deploy broadband infrastructure to un-connected, unserved, underserved, and community anchor institution (CAI) locations throughout the state. Maine’s long-term broadband deployment goals are established by statute and include: "Secure, affordable, reliable, competitive and sustainable forward-looking advanced communications technology infrastructure that can meet current and future needs." Cost is a significant barrier to broadband adoption for many Mainers. Users often have difficulty navigating available service options and prices to ensure they get what they need for an affordable price. Forty-seven percent of the Maine Broadband Survey respondents have at least some difficulty paying for their internet service. BEAD-funded infrastructure deployment and the subgrantee selection process will be vital in achieving greater affordability for all Maine people, especially the most vulnerable. The application requirements will work in concert with the initiatives in the state’s Digital Equity Plan and requirements in existing infrastructure programming to accomplish the state's goals.