Working Internet ASAP (WIA)
Program Description​
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The Working Internet ASAP Program provides a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet access option for qualified remote and rural locations in Maine. These homes and businesses are extremely difficult to reach and currently have no service or technology option.
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Since 2022, MCA has facilitated over $200 million of federal and state funding to help connect over 86,000 locations in Maine to affordable high-speed internet. As of October 2024 less than 1.5% of locations, or approximately 9,000 homes and businesses in Maine, have no service or technology of any kind (including cable, DSL, or fixed wireless) and no current project planned to connect those locations.​​
​Starting in the fall of 2024, MCA will coordinate the bulk purchase and deployment of LEO satellite hardware and service reservations to ensure that eligible locations have the option to receive LEO equipment and installation support, and access internet service.​​​​
Who is Eligible?​
Locations in Maine that currently have no other technology or service options (including cable, DSL, or fixed wireless)​
Deadlines
Starting in November 2024, MCA will accept enrollments into the program, to be accepted on a rolling basis
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MCA Contact
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Brian Allenby
Sr. Director, Program Operations
ballenby@maineconnectivity.org
(207) 200-5824
"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
Who is eligible to apply?
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The WIA Program represents the first MCA program where eligible applicants are individuals themselves. Starting in November, potential subscribers will be able to use MCA’s simple enrollment tool to verify their address and determine their eligibility under the WIA Program.
MCA will conduct outreach to eligible locations via direct mail and through Regional & Wabanaki Broadband Partners. Support for technology installation and use will be offered to all eligible applicants.​
How to Apply
The map below shows draft locations in Maine which are eligible for the WIA Program. Starting in November, MCA will open the enrollment portal where individuals can access a map of WIA-eligible locations, provide evidence of their residency at that location, and share their need for internet service. Following the successful completion of the enrollment process, individuals will be transitioned to the installation process.
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More information will be available soon!
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Criteria & Priorities​
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As Maine’s public agency committed to expanding broadband access and digital equity, MCA is utilizing all available technologies and partnerships to ensure reliable high-speed internet for all Maine people. The WIA Program represents another critical step in fulfilling this commitment.
Starting in November 2024, ​MCA will provide subsidized LEO satellite equipment and installation support for people in Maine who live and work at eligible locations.
Under the WIA Program, MCA plans to:
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Enable qualifying households to have an opportunity to access internet service before 2025.
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Fund and secure reservations for LEO satellite network services to up to 9,000 eligible locations.
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Fund the costs of and coordinate the bulk purchase and deployment of equipment to be installed at each eligible location to receive LEO satellite internet service.
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Undertake a robust outreach effort to ensure that people who live or work at eligible locations are aware of the opportunity to subscribe.
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Provide a portal for subscribers at eligible locations to enroll in the WIA Program and be referred to the LEO satellite internet service provider to establish a paid subscription account.
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Provide a list of pre-qualified installation partners to optionally assist subscribers with LEO equipment installation and fund the contractor visit.
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Align WIA Program implementation with the planning and upcoming implementation of the federal BEAD Program so that there is continuity of internet service to eligible locations.
