What’s New in Digital Equity: Program to Connect Rural Maine

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PROGRAM TO CONNECT RURAL MAINE

The Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) has launched a new program, the Working Internet ASAP (WIA) Program, which will bring connectivity to rural and remote locations in the state. The program aims to help the state reach its goal of ensuring all Maine residents have an Internet option by the end of 2024. As the state works to advance high-speed Internet access through various projects and programs, this WIA Program will help ensure that people still have an option to connect to the Internet in the meantime.

“Maine has more work to do to build out our broadband infrastructure — but by the end of this year, everyone in our state will have the opportunity to access a reliable connection,” Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement.

MCA will provide an option to these rural areas by coordinating the bulk purchase of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite hardware and service reservations from Starlink. MCA chose the company through a competitive request for proposals.

The WIA Program is only one of the MCA funding programs developed and implemented in the last two years. Next year, MCA will facilitate the investment of $350 million in broadband through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program; Maine’s initial proposal for BEAD funding was accepted in June, which makes available $272 million in federal funding.

Eligible homes and businesses can start applying for subsidized LEO satellite hardware, installation support, and digital skills information beginning in November using MCA’s enrollment portal. To raise awareness about this program, MCA will conduct outreach, targeted advertising, and will launch a marketing campaign. The program will remain open on a rolling basis.

“While we build the infrastructure for our future, we can’t afford for people to be living in the digital dark,” Andrew Butcher, MCA president, said in a statement.


HAWAII LAUNCHES DIGITAL DETECTIVES INITIATIVE

In other state news, a new initiative in Hawaii, Digital Detectives, aims to engage constituents in the process to improve the accuracy of broadband speed data throughout the state. The Connect Kākou initiative started Tuesday and runs to Nov. 4; during that time, officials are encouraging residents to complete Internet speed tests. The tests can be taken from a desktop or laptop computer. The data will be aggregated to display Internet connectivity in the state.

In addition, the state Department of Education (DOE) and public charter middle schools are encouraging student participation. Participating classrooms will be eligible to win prizes.

“By participating in this effort, our students are not just learning about technology — they are actively contributing to the improvement of their own communities’ digital future,” DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi said in a statement.


BOSTON ANNOUNCES NEARLY $1.5M FOR DIGITAL EQUITY

In local news this week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced $1,418,000 in grants to support digital equity. The grants will go to 36 community-based organizations. The city’s Digital Equity Fund is managed by its Digital Equity team within the Department of Innovation and Technology; it’s funded by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program.

This iteration of the Digital Equity Fund will focus on three areas: Digital Navigation Work, Efforts to Improve Telehealth Programming, and Device Refurbishment.

“As digital fluency becomes even more necessary as part of our daily lives, so does the need for accessibility,” Wu said in a statement.

CYBERSHARE SUMMIT TAKES PLACE OCT. 27-29

Starting this Sunday, the 2024 CyberShare Summit will offer a forum to highlight cybersecurity best practices and risks that network operators face. The summit will be co-hosted by ACA Connects, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, NTCA — The Rural Broadband Association, the Rural Wireless Association, and WISPA — The Association for Broadband Without Boundaries.

“As the number of cyberthreats grows every day, it is critical that small broadband providers have access to the information and resources necessary to help keep their networks and customers’ information safe,” NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said in a statement.

The summit, which will take place in Louisville, Ky., is open to any small facilities-based broadband provider.

ATLANTA LIFT ZONE TO ADVANCE DIGITAL EQUITY

In private-sector news, Comcast has announced the installation of a Flagship Lift Zone in Atlanta, Ga. The lift zone, installed in partnership with Inspiredu, will provide free, fast Wi-Fi service for visitors. Funded by a grant of more than $500,000, it will also offer digital skills training classes, with education on topics like cybersecurity, financial literacy and coding.

Comcast’s Lift Zones program is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion investment in improving digital equity. Through Project UP, the company has also invested funding for expanding digital literacy in locations including Indiana and Mississippi.
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