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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Affordable, reliable, high-quality broadband service is essential for the viability of communities across Maine
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Geography, demographics, and income should not determine access
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Success will require learning from past successes and failures using experimentation, innovation, and flexible approaches
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Strong community leadership is a precondition to public investments
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Broadband speed in rural areas should be comparable to speed in urban areas
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Scarce public resources must be deployed effectively to address needs and build enduring, advanced investments that encourage competition
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Private companies have an important role in developing and running broadband networks
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Market forces and private investment alone will not deliver universal broadband
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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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
