Consolidated Communications Begins Offering Broadband Through Maine Public Private Partnership

Consolidated Communications now offers 2 Gbps symmetrical service to more than 3,000 homes and small businesses in parts of rural Maine. The deployment was funded, in part, through money awarded to the company and to the Maine Connectivity Authority. The funding came through the Broadband Infrastructure Program administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). That program targeted public/private partnerships such as the one between Maine Connectivity Authority and Consolidated. Consolidated and Maine Connectivity won a $18.3 million grant in the program, which targeted unserved rural areas. The areas where Consolidated announced service include Rangeley, Dallas Plantation, Rangeley Plantation, and Sandy River Plantation. Other areas where the partners won funding include Blue Hill Peninsula and the town of Farmington. The funding came through the Maine Connectivity Authority’s Connect the Ready program.