The Maine Broadband Coalition represents a wide range of perspectives in Maine’s broadband landscape but is fundamentally concerned with giving voice to internet users across the state to secure universal, affordable, and equitable access to broadband connectivity that serves both current and future needs.
Our opposition to LD 1975 is based on two assertions, 1.) that the ConnectMaine Authority (CME), the ConnectMaine Fund and the Municipal Gigabit Fund are neither duplicative nor unnecessary, and 2.) It is our belief that, particularly in reference to the funds, these are critical tools for the state to continue its work closing the digital divide for all Mainers.
We oppose passage of LD 1975 for these reasons (with further explanation below):
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Federal funding cannot solve Maine’s connectivity challenges alone
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While the historic funding through BEAD was promised to close the infrastructure and digital equity gap, turbulence in the program has clawed back hundreds of millions of dollars from Maine – and we likely won’t see another program like it again.
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State funds will be vital to achieving state goals going forward
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Though the final outcome of BEAD is underwhelming, the planning process created local and regional capacity over the past three years that can do the important on-the-ground work necessary to make sure Mainers can access the benefits of newly built, publicly invested networks.
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We have established needs and plans to address those needs - we need funding to make it happen
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The ConnectMaine Fund cannot cover the extent of the state’s Digital Equity Plan that garnered $35 million in grant awards; however, it can be targeted towards high-leverage uses that allow key aspects of the plan to move forward.
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