ConnectME Authority
The Maine Legislature approved the operation of the ConnectME Authority with the goal of expanding broadband access in the most rural, un-served areas of the state that have little prospect of service from a traditional provider.
The Authority is to “identify un-served areas of the State; develop proposals for broadband expansion projects, demonstration projects and other initiatives; and administer the process for selecting specific broadband projects and providing funding, resources, and incentives.”
The Authority is funded by a 0.25% surcharge on instate retail communications services.
The Authority funds proposals through grants, direct investments, or loans made on behalf of, in partnership with, or in support of, one or more communications service providers.
Schedule of Meetings of the ConnectME Authority and ConnectME Advisory Council
(Agendas and Minutes)
- The ConnectME Authority provides grant funds for "last mile" infrastructure projects to provide high-speed internet service to customers in unserved areas of Maine.
- New grant round opened December 21, 2009.
- Gov. John Elias Baldacci signed a bill requiring the ConnectME Authority to establish a special council to advise the Authority on broadband opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as well as the University of Maine System on matters pertaining to the sale or lease of excess capacity as a result of the conversion of the education broadband spectrum.
Anyone who would like to receive information about the grant application process or other activities of the Authority, please indicate your interest in being added to the mailing list by following the“Staying Informed” link or see the Contact Us page.
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
- Broadband Availability Map (Search by Town)
- Internet Access Providers in Maine: These are unaudited lists, for details contact the providers directly. Please contact connect.me@maine.gov for additions, deletions, or changes. For information purposes only, no endorsement is expressed or implied.
- Maine Public Libraries with Wireless Access by Town
- FCC Website: Broadband Opportunities for Rural America - Large quantity of Federal information (FCC and USDA) in one place: descriptions of types of service, sources of funding, reports, etc.
- USDA/RUS Community Connect Grant Applications due June 19, 2009.
- Broadband Access Infrastructure Board Report, Revised 11/28/05
- Report on Municipal Capabilities to become Internet Service Providers, September 2006
Prepared by the State Planning Office.
Notice to Service Providers: ConnectME Fund Administrator, as of July 1, 2008
FCC Form 477 Data: All communications service providers that are required to file FCC Form 477, will file copies of the form, filed at the Federal Communications Commission, with the Authority pursuant to Chapter 101, Section 3(A). All other providers will file the data required in Chapter 101, subsection 3(A)(3), using the schedule in Chapter 101, subsection 3(A)(1). Please send the data to the Authority in spreadsheet format to connect.me@maine.gov.
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