Press Release: Maine Reaches Key Milestone for Expanding Reliable Broadband

Maine Connectivity Authority seeks proposals to design and build a 500-mile fiber optic network

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024 – PORTLAND – Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency
leading statewide broadband expansion and digital equity in Maine, is seeking proposals from
qualified technical and construction experts to design and construct a 536-mile fiber optic
network across the state of Maine. The Maine Online Optical Statewide Enabling Network, or
MOOSE Net, will serve as the backbone for expanded internet connectivity as a part of Maine’s
commitment to bridge the digital divide and build infrastructure that will create long-term public
benefit.

“Amidst all of the tremendous work Maine is doing to connect everyone to a reliable high-speed
internet, MOOSE Net represents one of the most profound ways we can prepare our digital
infrastructure to support the growth and evolving needs of our communities,” said Andrew
Butcher, President, Maine Connectivity Authority. “Selecting the right partners to bring this
vision to life is essential,” Butcher added.

This middle mile network will expand the state’s ability to provide connections for homes,
businesses, and public safety and community anchor institutions like schools, libraries, and
health care facilities. Middle mile is made up of high-capacity fiber that carries large amounts of
data at high speeds over long distances and other telecommunications infrastructure. MOOSE
Net is critical to supporting Maine’s remote industries like farming, forestry, fishing, and the
outdoor economy, enabling expanded cellular service, and underpinning climate adaptation
needs.

"We appreciate this important investment in Washington County. MOOSE Net will reach some of
our region's most underserved communities. It is a critical first step in building out the networks
we need to connect the residents of interior Washington County with high speed, affordable
internet," said Charles Rudelitch, Executive Director, Sunrise County Economic Council.

To date, MCA has conducted the federally required environmental and historic review process,
engaged the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, and worked with regional partners to prepare for
construction. Since posting the RFP, MCA has received nearly 30 letters of intent and expects
the bidding process to be highly competitive. Various Maine-based and national-scale
companies will be awarded parts of the design and build work based on cost, timeline,
environmental impact, expertise and knowledge. Applicants will also be scored on the ability to build and attract a local workforce, including line workers, fiber optic technicians, and construction and earthwork companies.

“MOOSE Net will help drive the expansion of wireless technology and infrastructure by bringing
fiber connections to the more remote areas of Maine,” said Stephanie Cassioppi, senior director
of government affairs at UScellular. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with MCA
to advance digital equity and ensure that all Maine residents have access to public safety,
precision agriculture, education, telehealth and all the benefits that connectivity provides.”

MCA was awarded a $30 million federal grant in 2023 for MOOSE Net by the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in a highly competitive process. In
partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation, University of Maine System, Maine
Office of Information Technology and Network Maine; it was one of 32 proposals selected out
of 260 applicants.

Through MOOSE Net, MCA is fulfilling its commitment to expand reliable internet options for all
Maine people and to build ‘future-proof’ broadband infrastructure that will unlock opportunities
for Maine’s economic development. Since 2022, MCA has facilitated over $200M of federal and
state funding to help connect over 86,000 locations in Maine to affordable high-speed internet.
In the coming year, MCA will deploy an additional $270 million in funding through the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law and the Maine Jobs and Recovery Program.

The RFP process closes on September 30, 2024, and all partners will be selected by late
October. Designs will be completed and presented to MCA in early 2025.

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