Maine Draft State Broadband Action Plan Focuses On Closing Affordability Gap

Maine became one of the first states to share a draft broadband action plan and companion Digital Equity Plan. The plan highlights the complex challenges faced by Maine residents who lack internet access, including limited opportunities for remote work, education, and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of bridging the digital divide to ensure that all residents can participate in the digital economy. Strategies and initiatives are organized into four categories: (1) Access and adoption; (2) Innovation and investment; (3) Digital literacy and skills, and; (4) Accountability and transparency. The state plan pays particular attention to tackling the broadband affordability gap, which makes up two-thirds of America’s digital divide. Additionally, Maine’s plans emphasize the importance of partnerships and collaboration with organizations like EducationSuperHighway, which have recently partnered with the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) on the ACP4ME campaign – a new statewide initiative to increase awareness and enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Finally, Maine has also recognized the importance of bridging the 20-25% of the digital divide that is concentrated in affordable multi-dwelling units (MDUs). Their Affordable Housing Connectivity Program includes digital skill training, affordable devices, technical support, and internet safety education. It also seeks to leverage improvements in Wi-Fi technology that have made it possible to connect units in these buildings to reliable broadband service by deploying Wi-Fi access points throughout the property and then connecting the building network to a fiber connection.