February 21, 2021
Maine can’t afford a fractured approach to expanding internet access
As with many other services and policy discussions, the COVID-19 pandemic has both emphasized and magnified the need to expand broadband access. That may sound trite, but it’s true. Internet connectivity has come to be a requirement in so many aspects of life: in business, in education, in health care, in growing the economy. While some Maine communities are well-served or are making strides to improve internet access, other parts of our rural state are being left behind. With this backdrop, the BDN has now kicked off a virtual broadband event series, sponsored by…
February 18, 2021
After 18 years, Island Institute leader Rob Snyder steps down
The longtime leader at the Island Institute is moving on from his 18-year tenure with the Rockland nonprofit, eight of those as president. Rob Snyder will leave at the end…
January 12, 2021
Broadband mapping money in Mills' budget hailed by business, development leaders
Gov. Janet Mills' proposal to add $1.8 million to Maine's supplemental budget, earmarked for mapping and technical support, is being hailed by business and development leaders as necessary to help…
December 30, 2020
Broadband expansion a challenge
SULLIVAN — The $900 billion coronavirus relief bill President Trump signed on Dec. 27 includes $7 billion to help expand broadband access. The funding, which includes a subsidy of up to $50…
December 15, 2020
Broadband advocates ready to award projects with bond money
Maine voters in July approved a $15 million bond for broadband expansion projects, and the first proposals are expected next month.
Last month, the Mills administration awarded $5.6 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to connect more than 700 students and teachers in rural Maine with high-speed internet service to support…
December 15, 2020
Maine Chamber of Commerce hosts webinar on future of rural broadband
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - The Maine State Chamber of Commerce held a webinar today about the future of high-speed internet access. Government, civic, and industry leaders discussed the challenges and…
December 1, 2020
Economic recovery: State committee outlines plan for Maine's recovery from the pandemic
Just as pressing as the health concerns of the coronavirus pandemic are the economic concerns facing Maine. The Governor's Economic Recovery Committee has just rolled out its state action plan.…
December 1, 2020
#GivingTuesday: Helping fishing families and foundations
This year, many fishermen and fishing cooperatives used social media to market directly to their communities as the traditional channels for seafood sales dried up with the closure of restaurants…
November 18, 2020
Island Institute joins Dept. of Energy-led effort to bridge gaps in island energy resilience
ROCKLAND — The Island Institute is one of five organizations in the country recently awarded a contract for the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project (ETIPP), a new partnership sponsored by the…
November 18, 2020
‘There will be a lasting impact’: How the pandemic magnified Maine’s digital divide
The success of remote learning greatly depends on a family’s access to the internet. It's estimated that tens of thousands of households lack internet access.
“My only concern is if we do go red [status] and we’re fully remote, can my internet keep up with all the computers working around the clock?” asked Amy McGee…
