Treasury Support Helps Connect Maine

Since 2005, Maine has recognized the importance of adequate internet service to everyday life and commerce, in both urban and rural areas of the state. On July 14, the US Department of Treasury approved the state's plan to connect 22,500 homes and businesses through Maine Infrastructure Ready. Maine has two similar, but separate broadband authorities: the ConnectMaine Authority (ConnectME) and Maine Connectivity Authority. The Maine Connectivity Authority will oversee Maine Infrastructure Ready, a competitive broadband infrastructure grant program. The program will invest in qualified locations that can be served by line extensions of existing networks—or new networks—focusing on serving locations that currently lack access to reliable wireline service at speeds of 100/20 Mbps, including remote locations in Maine’s most rural counties.