BLUE HILL, Maine — As Maine’s plan to expand access to high-speed internet gets a new federal boost, broadband supporters say raising public awareness is now critical.
The Maine Connectivity Authority’s Digital Equity Plan is the first of its kind in the nation to receive the green light from the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, which did so earlier this month.
The approval will likely mean millions of dollars of federal funds toward the plan, which seeks to build out broadband infrastructure, like fiber optic wiring, in rural parts of our state as well as expand the number of refurbished computers and electronics available to Mainers in search of reliable internet.
“What we’re fundamentally looking to enable is a higher degree of ability to connect as humans,” Andrew Butcher, president of the Maine Connectivity Authority, said.
If all goes as planned, the MCA will raise $15 million in philanthropic donations for the Digital Equity Plan, to be matched by the federal government.
While much of this money could go towards building the actual technology allowing for more broadband access points, stakeholders in the project emphasize the importance of educating the public on how they can access these new internet connections.
“With all the infrastructure investments going on … if you build it, it doesn’t always mean they will come,” Elaine Abbott, who leads the broadband division of the Sunrise County Economic Council, said.
Though digital education does figure into the Digital Equity Plan, some are furthering the effort by themselves.
Butler Smythe runs a weekly Connectivity Club at the Blue Hill Public Library. To him, helping Mainers understand how broadband works, and how much money they could save by switching their connection, is key.
“It’s not only having access to good internet but having an awareness for what it can be used for,” Smythe said Monday.
According to the Maine Connectivity Authority, the federal government will reveal more this spring about the funds it plans to put towards Maine's Digital Equity Plan.