ConnectME Authority
Last year 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 will be funded with a 0.25% surcharge on instate retail communications services.
The Authority will fund proposals through grants, direct investments, or loans made on behalf of, in partnership with, or in support of, one or more communications service providers.
ConnectME Authority Final Adopted Rule, Chapter 101, effective June 29, 2007.
ConnectME Statute, 35-A, M.R.S.A. Chapter 93.
First Annual Report to the Legislature: Attachments A, B, C, D, E, F. (1/15/08)
Presentation to the Utilities and Energy Committee: Work Session, 1/24/08, beginning 1:00PM (Cross Bldg. Room 211, Augusta, ME).
Schedule of Meetings of the ConnectME Authority and ConnectME Advisory Council
(Agendas and Minutes)
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.
ConnectME Authority Grant Application, Filed 9/14/07
Grant Application Review Process
Summary of Grant Applications Received (Excel spreadsheets) The first tab contains a summary of all applications, the second tab shows a breakdown of one multi-town application.
ConnectME Authority Makes First Grant Awards. Seven Grants for $787,174.
List of grant awards. List of awarded applications showing municipalities involved. Map (PDF).
Anyone who would like to receive information about the project 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.
Sales and Use Tax Reimbursement Information.
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 Rual Development Community Connect Grant Program
2008 Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
Broadband Access Infrastructure Board DRAFT Report, Revised 11/28/05
Report on Municipal Capabilities to become Internet Service Providers, September 2006
Prepared by the State Planning Office.
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