About ConnectME

ConnectME Authority Members

The goal of the Authority is to facilitate universal availability of broadband service and to increase the “take rate” or adoption to equal or greater than the national average.  Increasing access and take rates is critical to Maine’s education and economic prosperity.  Nearly three years ago, approximately 86% of the state had access to high-speed Internet service with an adoption rate of approximately 40%.  In the three years since the Authority was established, broadband access or availability has risen to over 90% with 52% of Maine households subscribing to some type of broadband service (compared to 62% nationally).

As early as 1995, the Maine Legislature recognized the value of broadband when it stated:

The Legislature further declares and finds that computer-based information services and information networks are important economic and educational resources that should be available to all Maine citizens at affordable rates.  It is the policy of the State that affordable access to those information services that require a computer and rely on the use of the telecommunications network should be made available in all communities of the State without regard to geographic location. Title 35-A M.R.S.A. §7101(4).

In 2006, the Legislature created the ConnectME Authority to develop and carry out its broadband strategy by identifying unserved areas of the state; developing proposals for broadband expansion projects, demonstration projects and other initiatives; administering the process for selecting specific broadband projects; and providing funding, resources and incentives (PL 2005, c. 665.).  In 2007, the Legislature also approved the Authority’s major substantive rule that defines the state’s broadband strategy and describes how that strategy is to be implemented.  The Authority consists of a board of five members, an Executive Director, Associate Executive Director, assistance from the Public Utilities Commission and the Governor’s Office and an Advisory Council.  Authority and Advisory Council members.