Biden-Harris Administration Awards More Than $5.5 Million to Maine in ‘Internet for All’ Planning Grants

Maine is receiving $5,542,222.32 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that Maine received its first “Internet for All” grants for deploying high-speed Internet networks and developing digital skills training programs under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative. Maine is receiving $5,542,222.32 in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden, to plan for the deployment and adoption of affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet service throughout the state.

"High-speed, affordable Internet service provides access to educational opportunities, telehealth services, and career opportunities that shouldn't be closed off because of lack of connection to the Internet," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "I thank Governor Mills for her commitment to bringing high-speed internet access to families and businesses throughout Maine." NTIA Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information April McClain-Delaney announced the grants today alongside Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine.

“For our people, our economy, and our future, a high-speed Internet connection must be available to everyone in Maine who wants one – and that’s why I committed Maine to achieving that goal by the end of 2024,” said Maine Gov. Janet Mills. “Maine’s responsible use of these Federal funds – developed by the Maine Connectivity Authority – will help us reach that goal and make a real and positive difference in the lives of Maine people, especially those who live in our rural communities. I am excited by this opportunity, and I thank the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Maine’s Congressional Delegation, and the Maine Connectivity Authority for helping make it possible.”

"Maine has invested in a community-driven broadband planning effort already recognized by NTIA in 2021 with a $28M project helping codify what it means to be ‘Ready to Connect.’ Our collective work and partnerships to date will allow us to accelerate the planning, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis required to invest infrastructure funds for broadband deployment and digital equity efforts with maximum impact. MCA and Maine stand ready to be a model for NTIA's innovative programs to ensure Internet for All," said MCA President Andrew Butcher.