Resources
The MCA has set a goal of broadband service being universally available, but Maine’s population isn’t dense enough for the private sector alone to expand broadband service. Along with limited state funding, public-private partnerships are required with involvement from the local level. The following resources are intended to be helpful to local community leaders and contribute to the expansion of broadband service statewide.
Mapping
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Mapping broadband service helps customers know where broadband is available, and it helps grant applicants identify potentially unserved areas. There will be future opportunities to submit data or comment on the availability or lack of broadband service. Please visit our data collection web page for more information.
Get Up to Speed:
Take a speed test to understand your current service speeds, and help MCA use current data to inform investments.
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NTIA Map:
Indicators of Broadband Need shows the digital divide across the country and was released in June 2021.
Links​
These external links lead to resources for community leaders:
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Maine Broadband Coalition helps public policy makers and Maine citizens make the best choices about building a robust and productive information technology infrastructure, and supports regional dialogs through the Community of Practice.
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Community-Driven Broadband Process (pdf) guidebook from Island Institute
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Fiber-to-the-Home Tools & Resources from Broadband Communities Magazine
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Getting Maine Connected resource webpage developed by a program of the Maine Development Foundation
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Broadband 101 by the Benton Institute
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Internet & Broadband Facts by Pew Research Center
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Public-Private Partnerships (pdf), Stakeholder Outreach (pdf), Planning Roadmap, Power of Partnerships (pdf) are guides by BroadbandUSA.
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Broadband Factsheets by Broadband Connects America Coalition
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Table of Recent Federal Funds (pdf) by Common Sense
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Guide to Federal Broadband Funding (pdf) by Internet Society
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Guide to Federal Funding by BroadbandUSA
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Indicators of Broadband Need a map by NTIA
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Adult Education Programs offer digital literacy courses for free.
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National Digital Equity Center provides resources to close the digital divide, including affordability and literacy resources.
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give IT. get IT provides affordable equipment, such as computers, along with other digital inclusion resources.
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A community broadband planning factsheet (pdf) by the Town of Vinalhaven
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Questions on Charter's Bulk-Buy Solution (pdf) by the Mount Vernon Broadband Committee
Broadband Utility Districts
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The Community Broadband Planning Support Program includes resources and assistance for communities that have chosen the operational structure of a Broadband Utility District in order to expand broadband service availability. ConnectMaine prioritizes assistance to communities that meet the following requirements:
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At least four municipalities or local governments have undertaken the Community-Driven Broadband Planning Process;
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Local government leaders have approved efforts to form a BUD;
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There's commitment that the BUD will take on the responsibility of digital equity and inclusion, including efforts to connect customers to the Affordable Connectivity Program or similar opportunities; and
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There's commitment to a broadband solution that will result in broadband service availability--service offerings will include 100mbps/100mbps at least.
Resources
State statutes allow organization and interlocal cooperation to establish a utility district for broadband services and issue revenue bonds.
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Interlocal agreement template (coming soon)
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Interlocal agreement example (pdf) and example2 (pdf) and example3 (pdf)
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Filing agreement with Secretary of State (coming soon)
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Example of warrant article for revenue bond (coming soon)
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Example of financial statements for revenue bond (coming soon)
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Assistance
For communities that have decided to establish and use a Broadband Utility District to expand broadband availability, ConnectMaine staff will coordinate outreach for technical assistance needed.
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Example: Downeast Broadband Utility
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Example: Old Town Orono Fiber Corporation
Grants
The legal fees and other costs involved in establishing a Broadband Utility District are eligible project costs under ConnectMaine Community Broadband Planning Grants. ConnectMaine aims to ensure availability of Broadband Infrastructure Grants for BUD applicants.
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BUD board structure and policies template (coming soon)
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Example of BUD By-Laws (pdf) and example2 (pdf) and example3 (pdf)
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Financial or business model template (coming soon)
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Example of business plan (coming soon)
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Revenue bond factsheet of strategies and partners (coming soon)
