Island Institute becomes a leader in the movement to connect rural Maine with high-speed internet. Sparsely populated areas, specifically Maine’s islands and peninsulas, have historically been underserved by internet service providers. Island Institute notices a need for technical support as leaders in Maine communities take on the challenge of bringing high-speed internet to their homes and businesses.
Island Institute supports these broadband working groups with its “Community Driven Broadband Process” and guides them through grant applications and relationships with service providers. Island Institute continues this work to connect Mainers with this essential service and is an active member of the Maine Broadband Coalition.
When Island Institute began its broadband work, only one of Maine’s 15 year-round unbridged island communities had 100% fiber-to-the-home coverage. In 2023, five of the islands are connected, with four more that have a buildout funded and in progress.
The Institute has given technical and financial assistance for broadband to more than 85 municipalities across the state and has shared our community-driven broadband process model nationally.
