ABOUT MBC
WHO WE ARE
Representing hundreds of organizations, dozens of communities and thousands of internet users - MBC is the hub of information, policy support, and capacity building around broadband/high speed internet in Maine.
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Guided by a diverse advisory committee of policy, technical and community development experts MBC is the result of effective multi-organizational public-private partnerships. We are a collaborative network that models best practices of collective impact .
Myles Smith
Executive Director
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Myles leads all aspects of MBC’s programs and advocacy to build statewide broadband infrastructure that serves everyone affordably, equitably, and with the quality necessary to keep Mainers competitive in the 21st century economy.
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Myles brings to MBC nearly 20 years experience protecting a free and open internet, supporting and practicing journalism, and promoting economic development internationally. Myles grew up in Rockland, Camden, Portland and Cumberland. He returns to his native Maine after stints in Boston; Moscow, Russia; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; and most recently, Washington, DC. He lives in Portland, with his partner, their two children, and one very loud street mutt from Kyrgyzstan.
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Joe bolsters MBC's ability to support communities in the mission to close the digital divide. He believes that knowledge is power and works to make sure that communities are equipped with the tools they need to fight for the projects they deserve.
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Joe is a Mainer through and through, having been born, raised, and educated in the state he feels very lucky to call home. In addition to his recent experience as Community Broadband Fellow, Joe has spent time behind a deli counter, pouring beers at a brewery, and organizing on a political campaign. Each of these experiences brought a new love and appreciation for the people, places, and ways of being that make Maine special.
Joe Oliva
Outreach Associate
GUIDING VALUES
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Broadband is the essential infrastructure of the 21st century, as or more important than other publicly-supported and regulated goods and services like roads, electricity, water, and phone service. Without it, modern civic and economic life is not possible.
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All Mainers require access to reliable, world-class, future proof broadband service, regardless of where they live.
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All Mainers should be able to reasonably afford good-quality internet service at home.
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All Mainers must benefit from competition that provides choices, drives down prices, and supports innovation and network upgrades.
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All Mainers must be supported to develop the internet skills to fully benefit from broadband access, and to participate in life as more of it goes online.
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All Mainers deserve the right to safety and privacy online. People need reasonable protections from attempts to deceive, misinform or exploit them. Information we share online should only be used for the reasonable purposes for which it was provided.
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WHAT WE DO
The Maine Broadband Coalition gives voice to internet users across the state to secure universal, affordable, and equitable access to broadband connectivity that serves both current and future needs.
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Broadband/High Speed Internet is essential infrastructure for the long term well-being of Maine communities and businesses and quality of life for people across the state. It is vital to the state’s ability to advance:
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Economic and community development
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Telehealth and aging in place
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Education
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Commerce
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Civic and social engagement
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Improved government services and delivery
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OUR STRATEGY
Through collaboration and partnerships In its collaborative work, the Maine Broadband Coalition seeks to:
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Give voice to users
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Champion community-led solutions and innovation
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Advance state of the art technology for rural Maine
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Identify and facilitate strategic deployment of public and private funding with defined public benefit for public investments
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Collaborate for statewide engagement and outcomes
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Advocate for equity in access (high-quality broadband for all) AND affordability
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Encourage open debate and discussion to arrive at informed solutions.
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We serve as a platform to inform and communicate to the public on broadband access and digital equity issues, and to mobilize support for policies that support our vision and values.
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OUR INITIATIVES
ADVOCACY
We lead statewide and national engagement, education, and lobbying centered on the importance of expanded connectivity for all Maine residents. Users must have a strong voice in this work.
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COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING
We share information, resources, and knowledge to increase the ability of community leaders to understand, plan for, and implement broadband expansion and inclusion initiatives.
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Board of Directors
Nick Battista, Island Institute, Chair
Kerem Durdag, GWI, Vice Chair
Vantiel Elizabeth Duncan, Consultant, Treasurer/Secretary
Maureen Hopkins, GoNetSpeed
Jamie Ritter, Eastern Slopes Broadband Committee
Nancy Smith, GrowSmart Maine
Mariesa Weil, Maine Family Planning
Chris Hall, Greater Portland Council of Governments
Tracy Scheckel, Ellsworth American
